Photoreceptor density of the domestic pig retina

Abstract

The spatial distribution and densities of photoreceptors in seven whole-mounted porcine retinas were studied and maps illustrating photoreceptor topography were constructed. Total photoreceptor densities ranged from to 83 000 to 200 000 cells/mm2, with a mean of 138 500 cells/mm2. Cone densities ranged from 39 000 (area centralis) to 8500 cones/mm2 (peripherally), with a mean of 16 400 cones/mm2. Rod:cone ratios ranged from 3:1 centrally to 16:1 peripherally, with a mean ratio of 8:1. Averaged photoreceptor densities are greatest (166 000 cells/mm2) within the central inferior retina, and regional differences in rod:cone ratios were found. Cone densities are increased in a broad region dorsal to the optic disk, extending both nasally and temporally. This region is believed to represent the area centralis. Cone densities gradually decrease and taper towards the periphery and inferior retina as rod:cone ratios increase. In addition to the many anatomic and ultrastructural similarities to the human eye, this study illustrates similarities within the photoreceptor mosaic of these two species and supports the use of the pig retina as a model for human/animal research.

A Battery of Cell- and Structure-specific Markers for the Adult Porcine Retina

“…Here, recoverin visualized rods and cones. In the pig, recoverin has been widely used as a marker in studies of retinogenesis and photoreceptor degeneration (Petters et al 1997;Li et al 1998;Chandler et al 1999;Traverso et al 2003;Engelsberg et al 2005;Engelsberg and Ghosh 2007;Gu et al 2007;Klassen et al 2007Klassen et al ,2008. Rods were specifically detected by using an antibody against rhodopsin, i.e., Rho4D2, and the staining result was in parallel with that of the original description of the staining pattern (Hicks and Molday 1986) and with experimental in vitro and in vivo porcine studies performed by us and others (Gaudin et al 1996;Warfvinge et al 2005;Ghosh et al 2007;Klassen et al 2007Klassen et al ,2008.…”

In vitro biomechanical modulation—retinal detachment in a box

“…The porcine eye was chosen as a model since it has a retina with similar overall cone/rod and ganglion cell distribution as the human counterpart [13,14]. Eyes were harvested from adult pigs aged between 4 -6 months euthanized by an overdose of sodium pentobarbital, (Apoteket, Umeå, Sweden).…”

Effects of Propofol and Isoflurane Anesthesia on the Intraocular Pressure and Hemodynamics of Pigs

“…In the present study, we tested whether anesthetized pigs can be used to investigate noninvasively different aspects of IOP regulation. Porcine eyes are similar to human eyes in size, retinal ultrastructure and circulation [10,11] . In the past, the majority of the studies were carried out using enucleated porcine eyes or in longterm experiments [12] .…”