Variation of nestin expression in SD rat eyes in different stages of postnatal development

OBJECTIVE: To observe the position and quantity of nestin expression in SD rat eyes in different stages of postnatal development. METHODS: Immunocytochemical method was used to identify nestin expression in the eyes of SD rats of 1 to 30 days old. RESULTS: Nestin expression was detected in the retina and extraocular muscles of SD rats. The expression varied with the time of postnatal development, distributing in the entire retina layers in earlier stages and confined in the nerve fiber layer in later stages. The quantities of nestin expression in the extraocular muscles decreased gradually with growth. CONCLUSION: Nestin expression in the retinas and extraocular muscles of SD rats decreases during the postnatal development.