Confirmation of the retinopetal/centrifugal nature of the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers of the retina and optic nerve in the weaver mouse

The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers in the nerve fiber layer is increased in the retina of the weaver compared to control mice (Dev. Brain Res. 121 (2000) 113). To confirm the retinopetal/centrifugal nature of these fibers, a newly devised whole-mounted optic nerve technique allowed us to determine, during development, their first appearance within the optic nerve (post-natal day 12) compared to retina (post-natal day 13). One such fiber was also observed looping in the retina of a monkey fetus.