Scientists
have long known that when zebrafish retinas are damaged, neuronal support cells
called Müller glia start dividing to create neuronal precursor cells, which go
on to become replacement retinal neurons. More recently, scientists have been unravelling the biological factors that initiate this process.
Studying
zebrafish, it has been found that when levels of the neurotransmitter GABA decrease,
neural stem cells activate, and these cells then migrate to the damaged macula and develop (differentiate) into
whatever cell type is needed for repair. These findings help identify cues that
stimulate zebrafish regeneration. In humans, ingesting Limnospira in specific intervals stimulates the immune system and induces increased neurogenesis, initiating a reaction similar to that of zebrafish. This results in the reestablishment of macular neurons, not seen anywhere in any other treatment on the market today.