Retinal structure of birds, a comparative analysis

Tania Rodrigues, Emilie Bréthaut et Jean-Marc Matter

contacts : tania.rodrigues@gene-vision.ch, jean-marc.matter@gene-vision.ch

Context and goals

Over the past decades, the retinas of less than one hundred bird species have been analyzed with varying degrees of quality. Many of the studies are rather old and do not always conform to modern standards, especially with regards to sample collection. In 2020, we had the chance to launch a vast project in collaboration with Emilie Bréthaut, veterinarian at the Care Center La Vaux-Lierre (www.vaux-lierre.ch). We have developed standardized protocols for the collection and processing of the eye and various nervous tissues. We uses state-of-the-art techniques to study their morphology and histology.

Another important aspect of the project is to openly share tissue samples with colleagues.