Sexual dimorphism in retinal degeneration of 12-month–old LS-HepcKO mice. A: Graphs of relative transferrin receptor (Tfrc) mRNA levels, determined by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), in neurosensory retina (NSR) of LS-HepcKO male versus LS-HepcKO female mice at the indicated ages. B: Graphs of relative Tfrc mRNA levels, determined by qPCR, in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of LS-HepcKO male versus LS-HepcKO female mice at the indicated ages. C and D: VIP-enhanced Perls staining of plastic sections of 12-month–old male and female LS-HepcKO mice. E and F:In vivo color fundus images and green autofluorescence imaging of male and female LS-HepcKO mice at the age of 3 months. G and H: Six months. I and J: Twelve months. For each genotype, a representative micrograph is presented. Scale bars = 50 μm (C and D). GCL, ganglion cell layer; INL, inner nuclear layer; IPL, inner plexiform layer; ONL, outer nuclear layer; OPL, outer plexiform layer.