The light microscopic localization of substance P- and somatostatin-like immunoreactive cells in the larval tiger salamander retina

Abstract

Light microscopic immunocytochemistry was utilized to localize the populations of substance P (SP)- and somatostatin (SOM)-like immunoreactive cells in the larval tiger salamander retina. Of 104 SP-immunostained cells observed, 82% were Type 1 amacrine cells. Another 8% of the SP-cells were classified as Type 2 amacrine cells, while 10% of the SP-cells had their cell bodies located in the ganglion cell layer and were designated as displaced amacrine cells. Each type of SP-like immunoreactive cell was observed in the central and peripheral retina. SP-immunopositive processes were observed in the inner plexiform layer as a sparse plexus in sublamina 1 and as a denser network of fibers in sublamina 5. Seventy-eight percent of the 110 somatostatin-immunopositive cells observed were designated as Type 1 amacrine cells. Another 12% of SOM-cells were classified as displaced amacrine cells, while only two SOM-immunopositive Type 2 amacrine cells were observed. Nine percent of the SOM-cells were designated as interplexiform cells, based on their giving rise to processes distributing in the outer plexiform layer as well as processes ramifying in the inner plexiform layer. Each type of SOM-immunoreactive cell was observed in the central and peripheral retina, with the exception of the Type 2 amacrine cells, whose somas were only found in the central retina. Lastly, SOM-immunopositive processes in the inner plexiform layer appeared as a fine plexus in sublamina 1 and as a somewhat denser network of fibers in sublamina 5.