In situ hybridization of purpurin mRNA. A, B, The purpurin mRNA signal detected with an antisense probe was dramatically enhanced in the photo receptor cells 5 d (B) after optic nerve transection compared with the control (A).C, No positive signal could be seen 5 d after optic nerve transection with a sense riboprobe. D, The signal rapidly declined by 10 d after optic nerve transection. GCL, Ganglion cell layer; INL, inner nuclear layer; OS, outer segment. Scale bar, 20 μm.