Characterization of retinal layer morphology.

<p>(A, B, E & F) Representative images of Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained 6 μ cross sections of retinas from VAChT^flox/flox control and VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox} retinas at (A-B) 5 and (E-F) 12 months of age showing retinal layers. GCL, ganglion cell layer; IPL, inner plexiform layer; INL, inner nuclear layer; OPL, outer plexiform layer; ONL, outer nuclear layer; OS, outer segment; RPE, retinal pigment epithelium. Retinal layer morphology was assessed in VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox} mice at (C, D) 5 (VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox}, n = 5; littermate control VAChT^flox/flox, n = 5) and (G-H) 12 months of age (VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox}, n = 5; littermate control, n = 5). INL and ONL cell counts are normal in VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox} mice at 5 and 12 months of age (C, G). Measurements of synaptic layer thickness of the IPL and OPL show no differences between VAChT^{Six3-Cre-flox/flox} and control mice (D, H). Scale bar represents 50 μm for all images.