Abstract

c-Fos is a nuclear phosphoprotein coded by the proto-oncogen c-fos which can be detected immunohistochemically after both physiological and pathological stimuli. This property is of great importance, because it offers a valuable tool for morphofunctional identification of activated neurons. We have studied the neuronal activity in the visual pathway of Tupaia belangeri within the following anatomical structures: retina, superior colliculus (SC), dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), pulvinar (Pu), parabigeminal (PBG) nucleus and primary visual cortex (V1) analyzing the c-Fos expression after exposing the tree shrews to different light stimuli (white light –control positive group–, green light, blue light and darkness conditions –control negative group–). Our findings suggest that in the retina, the ganglion cells and the cells of the inner nuclear layer respond better to blue and green light stimuli, when comparing the c-Fos expression between white, green, blue lights and darkness conditions. However, in the SC, dLGN, Pu, PBG nucleus and V1 another pattern of c-Fos expression is observed: a maximum expression for the control positive group, a minimum expression for the control negative group and intermediate expressions within the blue and green light groups. Conclusion: the expression levels of c-Fos protein are able to show significant differences between distinct light stimuli in all anatomical structures studied (retina, SC, dLGN, Pu, PBG and V1) of T. belangeri.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.