Veterinary Science & Technology

An Unusual Distribution of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) Neurons in the Porcine Retina Next to the Ora Serrata

Abstract

Christian-Albrecht May

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-immunoreactive (IR) cells are present in the retina of almost all species. Here we report about an unusual localization of nNOS-IR cells in the porcine retina. While no nNOS-IR amacrine cells were seen in the central porcine retina, a circular arrangement of nNOS-IR cells was observed next to the ora serrata region, particularly in the lower retinal quadrant. The neurons showed co-localization with calretinin. Most of their processes ran parallel to the ora serrata but some were disposed at right angles to the line of the ora serrata, directed either to the epithelial layer of the pars plana or towards the retina. The function of these uniquely located neurons in the porcine retina remains to be determined.