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Taboada C, Delia J, Chen M, Ma C, Peng X, Zhu X, Jiang L, Vu T, Zhou Q, Yao J, O’Connell L, Johnsen S. Glassfrogs conceal blood in their liver to maintain transparency. Science 2022; 378:1315-1320. [PMID: 36548427 PMCID: PMC9984244 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl6620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transparency in animals is a complex form of camouflage involving mechanisms that reduce light scattering and absorption throughout the organism. In vertebrates, attaining transparency is difficult because their circulatory system is full of red blood cells (RBCs) that strongly attenuate light. Here, we document how glassfrogs overcome this challenge by concealing these cells from view. Using photoacoustic imaging to track RBCs in vivo, we show that resting glassfrogs increase transparency two- to threefold by removing ~89% of their RBCs from circulation and packing them within their liver. Vertebrate transparency thus requires both see-through tissues and active mechanisms that "clear" respiratory pigments from these tissues. Furthermore, glassfrogs' ability to regulate the location, density, and packing of RBCs without clotting offers insight in metabolic, hemodynamic, and blood-clot research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Taboada
- Biology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Corresponding author.(C.T.);(J.D.);(J.Y.)
| | - Jesse Delia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,Division of Vertebrate Zoology and Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA,Corresponding author.(C.T.);(J.D.);(J.Y.)
| | - Maomao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chenshuo Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaorui Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Laiming Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tri Vu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qifa Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA,USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Junjie Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Corresponding author.(C.T.);(J.D.);(J.Y.)
| | | | - Sönke Johnsen
- Biology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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The OCT angular sign of Henle fiber layer (HFL) hyperreflectivity (ASHH) and the pathoanatomy of the HFL in macular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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3
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Zueva L, Zayas-Santiago A, Rojas L, Sanabria P, Alves J, Tsytsarev V, Inyushin M. Multilayer subwavelength gratings or sandwiches with periodic structure shape light reflection in the tapetum lucidum of taxonomically diverse vertebrate animals. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2022; 15:e202200002. [PMID: 35243792 PMCID: PMC9487202 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Eye shine in the dark has attracted many researchers to the field of eye optics, but the initial studies of subwavelength arrangements in tapetum began only with the development of electronic microscopy at the end of the 20th century. As a result of a number of studies, it was shown that the reflective properties of the tapetum are due to their specialized cellular subwavelength microstructure (photonic crystals). These properties, together with the mutual orientation of the crystals, lead to a significant increase in reflection, which, in turn, enhances the sensitivity of the eye. In addition, research confirmed that optical mechanisms of reflection in the tapetum are very similar even for widely separated species. Due to progress in the field of nano-optics, researchers now have a better understanding of the main principles of this phenomenon. In this review, we summarize electron microscopic and functional studies of tapetal structures in the main vertebrate classes. This allows data on the microstructure of the tapetum to be used to improve our understanding of the visual system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Zueva
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | | | - Legier Rojas
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Priscila Sanabria
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Janaina Alves
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
| | | | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, USA
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Khmelinskii I, Makarov VI. Energy transfer along Müller cell intermediate filaments isolated from porcine retina: I. Excitons produced by ADH1A dimers upon simultaneous hydrolysis of two ATP molecules. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 250:119361. [PMID: 33418473 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2020.119361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
IR exciton propagation was explored in Müller cell (MC) intermediate filaments (IFs) filling a capillary matrix. These IFs have been isolated from porcine retina using different methods, while their properties were almost identical. Therefore, IFs isolated from the whole retinas were used presently. IR excitons were generated by IR radiation at 2 μm wavelength, or by enzymatic ATP hydrolysis, with the energy transferred to IFs. Excitons produced by ATP hydrolysis required simultaneous energy contribution of two ATP molecules, indicating simultaneous hydrolysis of two ATP molecules in the naturally dimeric human alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme (ADH1A). ATP hydrolysis was thus catalyzed by ADH1A…NAD+ enzymatic complexes absorbed at the IF extremities protruding out of the capillary matrix. The IR emission spectra of excitons were dependent on the exciton generation method. We believe this resulted from the exciton energy distribution varying in function of the generation method used. The latter seems reasonable, given the very long excited-state lifetimes, implying low nonradiative relaxation rates. The energy liberated by ATP hydrolysis has been measured directly in these experiments, for the first time. The results demonstrate that contrary to the predictions of equilibrium thermodynamics, the liberated energy is independent on the ATP/ADP concentration ratio, indicating that non-equilibrium reactions take place. Time-resolved experiments with excitons produced by pulsed IR radiation evaluated characteristic exciton propagation and emission times. For the first time, biexcitonic processes were observed in biological objects, whereby simultaneous hydrolysis of two ATP molecules bound to the same dimeric ADH1A molecule generated excitons carrying twice the energy liberated by hydrolysis of a single ATP molecule. The results reported indicate that ATP-liberated energy may be transmitted along natural polypeptide nanofibers in vivo, within and between live cells. These ideas could promote new understanding of the biophysics of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Khmelinskii
- Universidade do Algarve, FCT-DQB and CEOT, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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5
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Khmelinskii I, Makarov V. Absorption spectra of Müller cell intermediate filaments: Experimental results and theoretical models. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 238:118452. [PMID: 32445978 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2020.118452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Experimental spectra of Müller cell (MC) intermediate filaments (IFs) isolated from porcine retina are reported in this work. The absorption spectra recorded at different MC IF concentrations were used to estimate their absorption cross-sections at different wavelengths. The average absorption cross-section of a single MC IF was ca. (0.97 … 2.01) × 10-10 cm2 in the 650-445 nm spectral range. To interpret these experimental absorption spectra, we made ab initio calculations of the optical spectra of α-helix polypeptides, and also used a simplified theoretical approach that modeled an IF by a conductive wire. The energy spectra of the refractive index, extinction coefficient (absorption cross-section), energy loss and reflectivity functions for different photon polarizations, with strong anisotropy with respect to the system axis, were calculated ab initio for polyglycine α-helix molecule containing 1000 glycine residues. Strong anisotropy of these parameters was explained by photons interacting with different electronic transitions. Note that similarly strong anisotropy was also obtained for the optical absorption cross-sections in the simplified model. Both modeling approaches were used for calculating the absorption cross-sections of interest. As a result, the absorption cross-section for photons propagating axially along MC IFs was much larger than their geometrical cross-section. The latter result was explained taking into account the density of electronic states, with numerous electrons contributing to the transition intensity at a given energy. We found that the simple conductive wire model describes the MC IF absorption spectrum better than the ab initio spectra. The latter conclusion was explained by the limitations of ab initio analysis, which only took into account one α-helix with 1000 aminoacids, whereas each porcine Müller cell IF is assembled of thousands of protein molecules, reaching the total length of ca. 100 μm. The presently reported results contribute to the understanding of the quantum mechanism of high-contrast vision of vertebrate eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Khmelinskii
- Universidade do Algarve, FCT, DQB and CEOT, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA.
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Khmelinskii I, Makarov V. Electric field modulation of light energy transmission along intermediate filaments isolated from porcine retina. Chem Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2020.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Zueva L, Golubeva T, Korneeva E, Resto O, Inyushin M, Khmelinskii I, Makarov V. Electron microscopy study of the central retinal fovea in Pied flycatcher: evidence of a mechanism of light energy transmission through the retina. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04146. [PMID: 32566783 PMCID: PMC7298408 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present unique ultrastructural data on avian retinal cells. Presently and earlier (Zueva et al., 2016) we explored distribution of intermediate filaments (IFs) in retinal cells of the Pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca, Passeriformes, Aves) in the central foveolar zone. This retinal zone only contains single and double cone photoreceptors. Previously we found that continuous IFs span Müller cells (MC) lengthwise from the retinal inner limiting membrane (ILM) layer up to the outer limiting membrane (OLM) layer. Here we describe long cylindrical bundles of IFs (IFBs) inside the cone inner segments (CIS) adjoining the cone plasma membrane, with these IFBs following along the cone lengthwise, and surrounding the cone at equal spacing one from the other. Double cones form a combined unit, wherein they are separated by their respective plasma membranes. Double cones thus have a common external ring of IFBs, surrounding both cone components. In the layer of cilia, the IFBs that continue into the cone outer segment (COS) follow on to the cone apical tip along the direction of incident light, with single IFs separating from the IFB, touching, and sometimes passing in-between the light-sensitive lamellae of the COS. These new data support our previous hypothesis on the quantum mechanism of light energy propagation through the vertebrate retina (Zueva et al., 2016, 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Zueva
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Thorez pr. 44, 194223, St-Petersburg, Russia
- Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
| | - Tatiana Golubeva
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Korneeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova str., 5a, 117485, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oscar Resto
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA
| | | | - Igor Khmelinskii
- University of the Algarve, FCT, DQF and CEOT, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA
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Makarov V, Khmelinskii I. Volt-ampere characteristics of porcine retinal Müller cell intermediate filaments. Chem Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2019.110532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Intermediate filaments in the retinal Müller cells as natural light energy guides. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2019; 200:111641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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Energy propagation along polypeptide α-helix: Experimental data and ab initio zone structure. Biosystems 2019; 185:104016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2019.104016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Zueva L, Golubeva T, Korneeva E, Resto O, Inyushin M, Khmelinskii I, Makarov V. Quantum mechanism of light energy propagation through an avian retina. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2019; 197:111543. [PMID: 31279896 PMCID: PMC6711473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Taking into account the ultrastructure of the Pied Flycatcher foveal retina reported earlier and the earlier reported properties of Müller cell (MC) intermediate filaments (IFs) isolated from vertebrate retina, we proposed a quantum mechanism (QM) of light energy transfer from the inner limiting membrane level to visual pigments in the photoreceptor cells. This mechanism involves electronic excitation energy transfer in a donor-acceptor system, with the IFs excited by photons acting as energy donors, and visual pigments in the photoreceptor cells acting as energy acceptors. It was shown earlier that IFs with diameter 10 nm and length 117 μm isolated from vertebrate eye retina demonstrate properties of light energy guide, where exciton propagates along such IFs from MC endfeet area to photoreceptor cell area. The energy is mostly transferred via the contact exchange quantum mechanism. Our estimates demonstrate that energy transfer efficiencies in such systems may exceed 80-90%. Thus, the presently developed quantum mechanism of light energy transfer in the inverted retina complements the generally accepted classic optical mechanism and the mechanism whereby Müller cells transmit light like optical fibers. The proposed QM of light energy transfer in the inverted retina explains the high image contrast achieved in photopic conditions by an avian eye, being probably also active in other vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Zueva
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA; Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Thorez pr. 44, 194223 St-Petersburg, Russia; Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
| | - Tatiana Golubeva
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Korneeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova st., 5a, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oscar Resto
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA
| | | | - Igor Khmelinskii
- Universidade do Algarve, FCT, DQB and CEOT, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA.
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12
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Electric field modulation of energy transfer along intermediate filaments isolated from porcine retina. Chem Phys Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2019.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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13
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Tissue Transparency In Vivo. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24132388. [PMID: 31261621 PMCID: PMC6651221 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo tissue transparency in the visible light spectrum is beneficial for many research applications that use optical methods, whether it involves in vivo optical imaging of cells or their activity, or optical intervention to affect cells or their activity deep inside tissues, such as brain tissue. The classical view is that a tissue is transparent if it neither absorbs nor scatters light, and thus absorption and scattering are the key elements to be controlled to reach the necessary transparency. This review focuses on the latest genetic and chemical approaches for the decoloration of tissue pigments to reduce visible light absorption and the methods to reduce scattering in live tissues. We also discuss the possible molecules involved in transparency.
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Khmelinskii I, Makarov V. Optical transparency and electrical conductivity of intermediate filaments in Müller cells and single-wall carbon nanotubes. Chem Phys 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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15
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Bringmann A. Structure and function of the bird fovea. Anat Histol Embryol 2019; 48:177-200. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Bringmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Medical Faculty University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
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Lindenau W, Kuhrt H, Ulbricht E, Körner K, Bringmann A, Reichenbach A. Cone-to-Müller cell ratio in the mammalian retina: A survey of seven mammals with different lifestyle. Exp Eye Res 2019; 181:38-48. [PMID: 30641045 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian retinal glial (Müller) cells are known to guide light through the inner retina to photoreceptors (Franze et al., 2007; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104:8287-8292). It was shown that Müller cells transmit predominantly red-green and less violet-blue light (Labin et al., 2014; Nat Commun 5:4319). It is not known whether this optical function is reflected in the cone-to-Müller cell ratio. To determine this ratio in the retinas of mammals with different lifestyle, we evaluated the local densities of cones and Müller cells in the retinas of guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, red deer, roe deer, domestic pigs, and wild boars. Retinal wholemounts were labeled with peanut agglutinin to mark cones and anti-vimentin antibodies to identify Müller cells. Wholemounts of guinea pig and rabbit retinas were also labeled with anti-S-opsin-antibodies. With the exceptions of guinea pig and pig retinas that had cone-to-Müller cell ratios of above one, the local densities of cones and Müller cells in the retinas of the species investigated were roughly equal. Because the proportion of S-cones is usually low (for example, 5.3% of all cones in the dorsal guinea pig retina expressed S-opsin), it is suggested that Müller cells are mainly coupled to M-cones. Exceptions are the ventral peripheries of guinea pig and rabbit retinas which are specialized areas with high S-cone densities. Here, up to 50% of Müller cells may be coupled to S-cones, and 40% of S-cones may be not coupled to Müller cells. Among the species investigated, the density of Müller cells in the central retina was inversely correlated with the axial length of the eyes. It is suggested that (with the exception of specialized S-cone areas) Müller cells support high acuity vision by predominant guidance of red-green light to M-opsin expressing cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelm Lindenau
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heidrun Kuhrt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elke Ulbricht
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Körner
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bringmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Zayas-Santiago A, Ríos DS, Zueva LV, Inyushin MY. Localization of αA-Crystallin in Rat Retinal Müller Glial Cells and Photoreceptors. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2018; 24:545-552. [PMID: 30253817 PMCID: PMC6378655 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927618015118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Transparent cells in the vertebrate optical tract, such as lens fiber cells and corneal epithelium cells, have specialized proteins that somehow permit only a low level of light scattering in their cytoplasm. It has been shown that both cell types contain (1) beaded intermediate filaments as well as (2) α-crystallin globulins. It is known that genetic and chemical alterations to these specialized proteins induce cytoplasmic opaqueness and visual complications. Crystallins were described previously in the retinal Müller cells of frogs. In the present work, using immunocytochemistry, fluorescence confocal imaging, and immuno-electron microscopy, we found that αA-crystallins are present in the cytoplasm of retinal Müller cells and in the photoreceptors of rats. Given that Müller glial cells were recently described as "living light guides" as were photoreceptors previously, we suggest that αA-crystallins, as in other highly transparent cells, allow Müller cells and photoreceptors to minimize intraretinal scattering during retinal light transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Zayas-Santiago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
| | - David S. Ríos
- College of Science and Health Professions, Universidad Central de Bayamón, Bayamón, PR00960, USA
| | - Lidia V. Zueva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y. Inyushin
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA
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18
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Karl A, Agte S, Zayas-Santiago A, Makarov FN, Rivera Y, Benedikt J, Francke M, Reichenbach A, Skatchkov SN, Bringmann A. Retinal adaptation to dim light vision in spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus fuscus): Analysis of retinal ultrastructure. Exp Eye Res 2018; 173:160-178. [PMID: 29753728 PMCID: PMC9930524 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that mammalian retinal glial (Müller) cells act as living optical fibers that guide the light through the retinal tissue to the photoreceptor cells (Agte et al., 2011; Franze et al., 2007). However, for nonmammalian species it is unclear whether Müller cells also improve the transretinal light transmission. Furthermore, for nonmammalian species there is a lack of ultrastructural data of the retinal cells, which, in general, delivers fundamental information of the retinal function, i.e. the vision of the species. A detailed study of the cellular ultrastructure provides a basic approach of the research. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the retina of the spectacled caimans at electron and light microscopical levels to describe the structural features. For electron microscopy, we used a superfast microwave fixation procedure in order to achieve more precise ultrastructural information than common fixation techniques. As result, our detailed ultrastructural study of all retinal parts shows structural features which strongly indicate that the caiman retina is adapted to dim light and night vision. Various structural characteristics of Müller cells suppose that the Müller cell may increase the light intensity along the path of light through the neuroretina and, thus, increase the sensitivity of the scotopic vision of spectacled caimans. Müller cells traverse the whole thickness of the neuroretina and thus may guide the light from the inner retinal surface to the photoreceptor cell perikarya and the Müller cell microvilli between the photoreceptor segments. Thick Müller cell trunks/processes traverse the layers which contain light-scattering structures, i.e., nerve fibers and synapses. Large Müller cell somata run through the inner nuclear layer and contain flattened, elongated Müller cell nuclei which are arranged along the light path and, thus, may reduce the loss of the light intensity along the retinal light path. The oblique arrangement of many Müller cell trunks/processes in the inner plexiform layer and the large Müller cell somata in the inner nuclear layer may suggest that light guidance through Müller cells increases the visual sensitivity. Furthermore, an adaptation of the caiman retina to low light levels is strongly supported by detailed ultrastructural data of other retinal parts, e.g. by (i) the presence of a guanine-based retinal tapetum, (ii) the rod dominance of the retina, (iii) the presence of photoreceptor cell nuclei, which penetrate the outer limiting membrane, (iv) the relatively low densities of photoreceptor and neuronal cells which is compensated by (v) the presence of rods with long and thick outer segments, that may increase the probability of photon absorption. According to a cell number analysis, the central and temporal areas of the dorsal tapetal retina, which supports downward prey detection in darker water, are the sites of the highest diurnal contrast/color vision, i.e. cone vision and of the highest retinal light sensitivity, i.e. rod vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anett Karl
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Silke Agte
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Zayas-Santiago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Felix N Makarov
- Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yomarie Rivera
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Jan Benedikt
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Mike Francke
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Serguei N Skatchkov
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA; Department of Physiology, Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Andreas Bringmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Agte S, Savvinov A, Karl A, Zayas-Santiago A, Ulbricht E, Makarov VI, Reichenbach A, Bringmann A, Skatchkov SN. Müller glial cells contribute to dim light vision in the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus): Analysis of retinal light transmission. Exp Eye Res 2018; 173:91-108. [PMID: 29763583 PMCID: PMC9930533 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we show the capability of Müller glial cells to transport light through the inverted retina of reptiles, specifically the retina of the spectacled caimans. Thus, confirming that Müller cells of lower vertebrates also improve retinal light transmission. Confocal imaging of freshly isolated retinal wholemounts, that preserved the refractive index landscape of the tissue, indicated that the retina of the spectacled caiman is adapted for vision under dim light conditions. For light transmission experiments, we used a setup with two axially aligned objectives imaging the retina from both sides to project the light onto the inner (vitreal) surface and to detect the transmitted light behind the retina at the receptor layer. Simultaneously, a confocal microscope obtained images of the Müller cells embedded within the vital tissue. Projections of light onto several representative Müller cell trunks within the inner plexiform layer, i.e. (i) trunks with a straight orientation, (ii) trunks which are formed by the inner processes and (iii) trunks which get split into inner processes, were associated with increases in the intensity of the transmitted light. Projections of light onto the periphery of the Müller cell endfeet resulted in a lower intensity of transmitted light. In this way, retinal glial (Müller) cells support dim light vision by improving the signal-to-noise ratio which increases the sensitivity to light. The field of illuminated photoreceptors mainly include rods reflecting the rod dominance of the of tissue. A subpopulation of Müller cells with downstreaming cone cells led to a high-intensity illumination of the cones, while the surrounding rods were illuminated by light of lower intensity. Therefore, Müller cells that lie in front of cones may adapt the intensity of the transmitted light to the different sensitivities of cones and rods, presumably allowing a simultaneous vision with both receptor types under dim light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Agte
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Alexey Savvinov
- Department of Physical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Anett Karl
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany,Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Astrid Zayas-Santiago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Elke Ulbricht
- Biotechnology Center, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vladimir I. Makarov
- Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bringmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Serguei N. Skatchkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
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20
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Khmelinskii I, Golubeva T, Korneeva E, Inyushin M, Zueva L, Makarov V. Spectral selectivity model for light transmission by the intermediate filaments in Müller cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2017; 173:282-290. [PMID: 28623820 PMCID: PMC5642305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Presently we continue our studies of the quantum mechanism of light energy transmission in the form of excitons by axisymmetric nanostructures with electrically conductive walls. Using our theoretical model, we analyzed the light energy transmission by biopolymers forming optical channels within retinal Müller cells. There are specialized intermediate filaments (IF) 10-18nm in diameter, built of electrically conductive polypeptides. Presently, we analyzed the spectral selectivity of these nanostructures. We found that their transmission spectrum depends on their diameter and wall thickness. We also considered the classical approach, comparing the results with those predicted by the quantum mechanism. We performed experimental measurements on model quantum waveguides, made of rectangular nanometer-thick chromium (Cr) tracks. The optical spectrum of such waveguides varied with their thickness. We compared the experimental absorption/transmission spectra with those predicted by our model, with good agreement between the two. We report that the observed spectra may be explained by the same mechanisms as operating in metal nanolayers. Both the models and the experiment show that Cr nanotracks have high light transmission efficiency in a narrow spectral range, with the spectral maximum dependent on the layer thickness. Therefore, a set of intermediate filaments with different geometries may provide light transmission over the entire visible spectrum with a very high (~90%) efficiency. Thus, we believe that high contrast and visual resolution in daylight are provided by the quantum mechanism of energy transfer in the form of excitons, whereas the ultimate retinal sensitivity of the night vision is provided by the classical mechanism of photons transmitted by the Müller cell light-guides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Khmelinskii
- Universidade do Algarve, FCT, DQF and CIQA, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Tatiana Golubeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Elena Korneeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova st., 5a, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Lidia Zueva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia; University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, PO Box 23343, San Juan, PR 00931-3343, USA.
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Makarov V, Zueva L, Golubeva T, Korneeva E, Khmelinskii I, Inyushin M. Quantum mechanism of light transmission by the intermediate filaments in some specialized optically transparent cells. NEUROPHOTONICS 2017; 4:011005. [PMID: 27570792 PMCID: PMC4985621 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.4.1.011005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Some very transparent cells in the optical tract of vertebrates, such as the lens fiber cells, possess certain types of specialized intermediate filaments (IFs) that have essential significance for their transparency. The exact mechanism describing why the IFs are so important for transparency is unknown. Recently, transparency was described also in the retinal Müller cells (MCs). We report that the main processes of the MCs contain bundles of long specialized IFs, each about 10 nm in diameter; most likely, these filaments are the channels providing light transmission to the photoreceptor cells in mammalian and avian retinas. We interpret the transmission of light in such channels using the notions of quantum confinement, describing energy transport in structures with electroconductive walls and diameter much smaller than the wavelength of the respective photons. Model calculations produce photon transmission efficiency in such channels exceeding 0.8, in optimized geometry. We infer that protein molecules make up the channels, proposing a qualitative mechanism of light transmission by such structures. The developed model may be used to describe light transmission by the IFs in any transparent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Makarov
- University of Puerto Rico, Department of Physics, Rio Piedras Campus, P.O. Box 23343, San Juan 00931-3343, Puerto Rico
| | - Lidia Zueva
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Golubeva
- Lomonosov State University, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Elena Korneeva
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Butlerova Street 5a, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Igor Khmelinskii
- Universidade do Algarve, Centro de Investigação em Química do Algarve (CIQA), Faro 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Bayamón 00960-6032, Puerto Rico
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