Rhodopsin-like immunoreactivity in the 'all cone' retina of the chameleon (Chameleo chameleo)

Exp Eye Res. 2005 May;80(5):623-7. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2004.11.004.

Abstract

Chameleons (Order, Reptilia: Family, Lacertilia) are unique among vertebrates in being able to make independent eye movements. The organisation of their retina, however, closely ressembles that of other diurnal lizards; based on morphological studies, it is typically described as containing only cone photoreceptors. We show here that a subpopulation of the photoreceptors are immunolabelled by an antibody directed against rhodopsin, suggesting the presence of rods. We conclude that in the nonmammalian retina, rods and cones cannot be exclusively distinguished on purely morphological grounds.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Indoles
  • Lizards / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Peanut Agglutinin
  • Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / chemistry*
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / chemistry
  • Rhodopsin / analysis*
  • Rhodopsin / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Indoles
  • Peanut Agglutinin
  • DAPI
  • Rhodopsin