Production of antiserum to a goldfish visual pigment opsin
Date
1996
Authors
Veldhoen, Kathleen Maria
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Abstract
Characterization of visual opsins can be achieved with the use of specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. In this study, antiserum has been raised against a conjugate protein including an N-terminal sequence of the goldfish short wavelength sensitive visual pigment opsin. Results of immunocytochemical assays reveal that the antiserum contains antibodies specific for an opsin which resides in single cone photoreceptors of the goldfish, rainbow trout and bluehead wrasse. The results confirm earlier studies of goldfish and rainbow trout retinae, which localized short wavelength sensitivity to single cones. Cross reactivity of an anti-bovine rhodopsin antibody with rainbow trout rods and cones was observed. The antiserum specificity to teleost SWS opsins demonstrates its usefulness as a tool to reliably identify these opsins in teleost retinae.