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Wang X, Frühn L, Li P, Shi X, Wang N, Feng Y, Prinz J, Liu H, Prokosch V. Comparative proteomic analysis of regenerative mechanisms in mouse retina to identify markers for neuro-regeneration in glaucoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23118. [PMID: 39366989 PMCID: PMC11452382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons in the CNS and retinal ganglion cells lack the ability to regenerate axons spontaneously after injury. The intrinsic axonal growth regulators, their interaction and roles that enable or inhibit axon growth are still largely unknown. This study endeavored to characterize the molecular characteristics under neurodegenerative and regenerative conditions. Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry was used to map the comprehensive proteome of the regenerative retina from 14-day-old mice (Reg-P14) and adult mice after lens injury (Reg-LI) both showing regrowing axons in vitro, untreated adult mice, and retina from adult mice subjected to two weeks of elevated intraocular pressure showing degeneration. A total of 5750 proteins were identified (false discovery rate < 1%). Proteins identified in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, Wnt, and VEGF signaling pathways. Common interactors comprising E1A binding protein P300 (EP300), CREB binding protein (CBP), calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were found in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI retinas. Proteins identified in both regenerating and degenerative groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, mRNA surveillance and measles signaling pathways, along with PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway. Common interactors across regenerative and degenerative retinas comprising NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (RELA), RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1), EP300 and SIN3 transcription regulator family member A (SIN3A). The findings from our study provide the first mapping of regenerative mechanisms across postnatal, mature and degenerative mouse retinas, revealing potential biomarkers that could facilitate neuro-regeneration in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosha Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Layla Frühn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Panpan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nini Wang
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Prinz
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hanhan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Verena Prokosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
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Marte ME, Kurokawa K, Jung H, Liu Y, Bernucci MT, King BJ, Miller DT. Characterizing Presumed Displaced Retinal Ganglion Cells in the Living Human Retina of Healthy and Glaucomatous Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:20. [PMID: 39259176 PMCID: PMC11401130 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the large somas presumed to be displaced retinal ganglion cells (dRGCs) located in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the living human retina. Whereas dRGCs have previously been studied in mammals and human donor tissue, they have never been investigated in the living human retina. Methods Five young, healthy subjects and three subjects with varying types of glaucoma were imaged at multiple locations in the macula using adaptive optics optical coherence tomography. In the acquired volumes, bright large somas at the INL border with the inner plexiform layer were identified, and the morphometric biomarkers of soma density, en face diameter, and spatial distribution were measured at up to 13 degrees retinal eccentricity. Susceptibility to glaucoma was assessed. Results In the young, healthy individuals, mean density of the bright, large somas was greatest foveally (550 and 543 cells/mm2 at 2 degrees temporal and nasal, respectively) and decreased with increasing retinal eccentricity (38 cells/mm2 at 13 degrees temporal, the farthest we measured). Soma size distribution showed the opposite trend with diameters and size variation increasing with retinal eccentricity, from 12.7 ± 1.8 µm at 2 degrees to 15.7 ± 3.5 µm at 13 degrees temporal, and showed evidence of a bimodal distribution in more peripheral locations. Within and adjacent to the arcuate defects of the subjects with glaucoma, density of the bright large somas was significantly lower than found in the young, healthy individuals. Conclusions Our results suggest that the bright, large somas at the INL border are likely comprised of dRGCs but amacrine cells may contribute too. These somas appear highly susceptible to glaucomatous damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Marte
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - HaeWon Jung
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Marcel T Bernucci
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Brett J King
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Donald T Miller
- Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
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Di Pierdomenico J, Gallego-Ortega A, Norte-Muñoz M, Vidal-Villegas B, Bravo I, Boluda-Ruiz M, Bernal-Garro JM, Fernandez-Bueno I, Pastor-Jimeno JC, Villegas-Pérez MP, Avilés-Trigueros M, de Los Ríos C, Vidal-Sanz M. Evaluation of the neuroprotective efficacy of the gramine derivative ITH12657 against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in the rat retina. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1335176. [PMID: 38415017 PMCID: PMC10898249 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1335176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate, the neuroprotective effects of a new Gramine derivative named: ITH12657, in a model of retinal excitotoxicity induced by intravitreal injection of NMDA. Methods Adult Sprague Dawley rats received an intravitreal injection of 100 mM NMDA in their left eye and were treated daily with subcutaneous injections of ITH12657 or vehicle. The best dose-response, therapeutic window study, and optimal treatment duration of ITH12657 were studied. Based on the best survival of Brn3a + RGCs obtained from the above-mentioned studies, the protective effects of ITH12657 were studied in vivo (retinal thickness and full-field Electroretinography), and ex vivo by quantifying the surviving population of Brn3a + RGCs, αRGCs and their subtypes α-ONsRGCs, α-ONtRGCs, and α-OFFRGCs. Results Administration of 10 mg/kg ITH12657, starting 12 h before NMDA injection and dispensed for 3 days, resulted in the best significant protection of Brn3a + RGCs against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. In vivo, ITH12657-treated rats showed significant preservation of retinal thickness and functional protection against NMDA-induced retinal excitotoxicity. Ex vivo results showed that ITH12657 afforded a significant protection against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity for the populations of Brn3a + RGC, αRGC, and αONs-RGC, but not for the population of αOFF-RGC, while the population of α-ONtRGC was fully resistant to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. Conclusion Subcutaneous administration of ITH12657 at 10 mg/kg, initiated 12 h before NMDA-induced retinal injury and continued for 3 days, resulted in the best protection of Brn3a + RGCs, αRGC, and αONs-RGC against excitotoxicity-induced RGC death. The population of αOFF-RGCs was extremely sensitive while α-ONtRGCs were fully resistant to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Norte-Muñoz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Isaac Bravo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - María Boluda-Ruiz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Iván Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Pastor-Jimeno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Cristobal de Los Ríos
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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5
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Ferdous S, Shelton DA, Getz TE, Chrenek MA, L’Hernault N, Sellers JT, Summers VR, Iuvone PM, Boss JM, Boatright JH, Nickerson JM. Deletion of histone demethylase Lsd1 (Kdm1a) during retinal development leads to defects in retinal function and structure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1104592. [PMID: 36846208 PMCID: PMC9950115 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1104592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Lysine specific demethylase 1 (Lsd1) in murine retinal development. LSD1 is a histone demethylase that can demethylate mono- and di-methyl groups on H3K4 and H3K9. Using Chx10-Cre and Rho-iCre75 driver lines, we generated novel transgenic mouse lines to delete Lsd1 in most retinal progenitor cells or specifically in rod photoreceptors. We hypothesize that Lsd1 deletion will cause global morphological and functional defects due to its importance in neuronal development. Methods We tested the retinal function of young adult mice by electroretinogram (ERG) and assessed retinal morphology by in vivo imaging by fundus photography and SD-OCT. Afterward, eyes were enucleated, fixed, and sectioned for subsequent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or immunofluorescence staining. Other eyes were plastic fixed and sectioned for electron microscopy. Results In adult Chx10-Cre Lsd1fl/fl mice, we observed a marked reduction in a-, b-, and c-wave amplitudes in scotopic conditions compared to age-matched control mice. Photopic and flicker ERG waveforms were even more sharply reduced. Modest reductions in total retinal thickness and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness were observed in SD-OCT and H&E images. Lastly, electron microscopy revealed significantly shorter inner and outer segments and immunofluorescence showed modest reductions in specific cell type populations. We did not observe any obvious functional or morphological defects in the adult Rho-iCre75 Lsd1fl/fl animals. Conclusion Lsd1 is necessary for neuronal development in the retina. Adult Chx10-Cre Lsd1fl/fl mice show impaired retinal function and morphology. These effects were fully manifested in young adults (P30), suggesting that Lsd1 affects early retinal development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ferdous
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Tatiana E. Getz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Micah A. Chrenek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nancy L’Hernault
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jana T. Sellers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Vivian R. Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - P. Michael Iuvone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jeremy M. Boss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - John M. Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Galindo-Romero C, Lucas-Ruiz F, Marsh-Amstrong N, Li W, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. Pan-retinal ganglion cell markers in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Zool Res 2023; 44:226-248. [PMID: 36594396 PMCID: PMC9841181 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Univocal identification of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is an essential prerequisite for studying their degeneration and neuroprotection. Before the advent of phenotypic markers, RGCs were normally identified using retrograde tracing of retinorecipient areas. This is an invasive technique, and its use is precluded in higher mammals such as monkeys. In the past decade, several RGC markers have been described. Here, we reviewed and analyzed the specificity of nine markers used to identify all or most RGCs, i.e., pan-RGC markers, in rats, mice, and macaques. The best markers in the three species in terms of specificity, proportion of RGCs labeled, and indicators of viability were BRN3A, expressed by vision-forming RGCs, and RBPMS, expressed by vision- and non-vision-forming RGCs. NEUN, often used to identify RGCs, was expressed by non-RGCs in the ganglion cell layer, and therefore was not RGC-specific. γ-SYN, TUJ1, and NF-L labeled the RGC axons, which impaired the detection of their somas in the central retina but would be good for studying RGC morphology. In rats, TUJ1 and NF-L were also expressed by non-RGCs. BM88, ERRβ, and PGP9.5 are rarely used as markers, but they identified most RGCs in the rats and macaques and ERRβ in mice. However, PGP9.5 was also expressed by non-RGCs in rats and macaques and BM88 and ERRβ were not suitable markers of viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2510, USA
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Nicholas Marsh-Amstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2510, USA
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain. E-mail:
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB), Murcia 30120, Spain
- Dpto. Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30120, Spain. E-mail:
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Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Vidal-Villegas B, Gallego-Ortega A, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Salinas-Navarro M, Norte-Muñoz M, Di Pierdomenico J, Galindo-Romero C, Agudo-Barriuso M, Vidal-Sanz M, Valiente-Soriano FJ. Methods to Identify Rat and Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells in Retinal Flat-Mounts. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:175-194. [PMID: 37558971 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The identification of distinct retinal ganglion cell (RGC) populations in flat-mounted retinas is key to investigating pathological or pharmacological effects in these cells. In this chapter, we review the main techniques for detecting the total population of RGCs and various of their subtypes in whole-mounted retinas of pigmented and albino rats and mice, four of the animal strains most studied by the scientific community in the retina field. These methods are based on the studies published by the Vidal-Sanz's laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Vidal-Villegas
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Norte-Muñoz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain.
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Galindo-Romero C, Norte-Muñoz M, Gallego-Ortega A, Rodríguez-Ramírez KT, Lucas-Ruiz F, González-Riquelme MJ, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. The retina of the lab rat: focus on retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:994890. [PMID: 36213609 PMCID: PMC9538360 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.994890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Albino and pigmented rat strains are widely used in models to study retinal degeneration and to test new therapies. Here, we have summarized the main topographical and functional characteristics of the rat retina focussing on photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the beginning and end of the retinal circuitry, respectively. These neurons are very sensitive to injury and disease, and thus knowing their normal number, topography, and function is essential to accurately investigate on neuronal survival and protection.
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9
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Haverkamp S, Mietsch M, Briggman KL. Developmental errors in the common marmoset retina. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:1000693. [PMID: 36204677 PMCID: PMC9531312 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.1000693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although retinal organization is remarkably conserved, morphological anomalies can be found to different extents and varieties across animal species with each presenting unique characteristics and patterns of displaced and misplaced neurons. One of the most widely used non-human primates in research, the common marmoset (Callithrix jaccus) could potentially also be of interest for visual research, but is unfortunately not well characterized in this regard. Therefore, the aim of our study was to provide a first time description of structural retinal layering including morphological differences and distinctive features in this species. Retinas from animals (n = 26) of both sexes and different ages were immunostained with cell specific antibodies to label a variety of bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. Misplaced ganglion cells with somata in the outermost part of the inner nuclear layer and rod bipolar cells with axon terminals projecting into the outer plexiform layer instead of the inner plexiform layer independent of age or sex of the animals were the most obvious findings, whereas misplaced amacrine cells and misplaced cone bipolar axon terminals occurred to a lesser extent. With this first time description of developmental retinal errors over a wide age range, we provide a basic characterization of the retinal system of the common marmosets, which can be taken into account for future studies in this and other animal species. The finding of misplaced ganglion cells and misplaced bipolar cell axon terminals was not reported before and displays an anatomic variation worthwhile for future analyzes of their physiological and functional impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Haverkamp
- Department of Computational Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Silke Haverkamp
| | - Matthias Mietsch
- Laboratory Animal Science Unit, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kevin L. Briggman
- Department of Computational Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar, Bonn, Germany
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Liu H, Bell K, Herrmann A, Arnhold S, Mercieca K, Anders F, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Thanos S, Prokosch V. Crystallins Play a Crucial Role in Glaucoma and Promote Neuronal Cell Survival in an In Vitro Model Through Modulating Müller Cell Secretion. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:3. [PMID: 35816047 PMCID: PMC9284462 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the roles of crystallins in the context of aging in glaucoma and potential mechanisms of neuroprotection in an experimental animal model of glaucoma. Methods Intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly elevated for 8 weeks in animals at different ages (10 days, 12 weeks, and 44 weeks) by episcleral vein cauterization. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were quantified by anti-Brn3a immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Proteomics using ESI-LTQ Orbitrap XL-MS was used to analyze the presence and abundance of crystallin isoforms the retinal samples, respectively. Neuroprotective property and localization of three selected crystallins CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB as most significantly changed in retina and retinal layers were determined by IHC. Their expressions and endocytic uptakes into Müller cells were analyzed by IHC and Western blotting. Müller cell secretion of neurotrophic factors into the supernatant following CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB supplementation in vitro was measured via microarray. Results IOP elevation resulted in significant RGC loss in all age groups (P < 0.001). The loss increased with aging. Proteomics analysis revealed in parallel a significant decrease of crystallin abundance – especially CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB. Significant neuroprotective effects of CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB after addition to retinal cultures were demonstrated (P < 0.001). Endocytic uptake of CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB was seen in Müller cells with subsequent increased secretion of various neurotrophic factors into the supernatant, including nerve growth factor, clusterin, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Conclusions An age-dependent decrease in CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB abundance is found going along with increased RGC loss. Addition of CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB to culture protected RGCs in vitro. CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYGB were uptaken into Müller cells. Secretion of neurotrophic factors was increased as a potential mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Bell
- Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Anja Herrmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Stefan Arnhold
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Karl Mercieca
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Anders
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Solon Thanos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Experimental Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Prokosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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11
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Di Pierdomenico J, Henderson DCM, Giammaria S, Smith VL, Jamet AJ, Smith CA, Hooper ML, Chauhan BC. Age and intraocular pressure in murine experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101021. [PMID: 34801667 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age and intraocular pressure (IOP) are the two most important risk factors for the development and progression of open-angle glaucoma. While IOP is commonly considered in models of experimental glaucoma (EG), most studies use juvenile or adult animals and seldom older animals which are representative of the human disease. This paper provides a concise review of how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, the hallmark of glaucoma, can be evaluated in EG with a special emphasis on serial in vivo imaging, a parallel approach used in clinical practice. It appraises the suitability of EG models for the purpose of in vivo imaging and argues for the use of models that provide a sustained elevation of IOP, without compromise of the ocular media. In a study with parallel cohorts of adult (3-month-old, equivalent to 20 human years) and old (2-year-old, equivalent to 70 human years) mice, we compare the effects of elevated IOP on serial ganglion cell complex thickness and individual RGC dendritic morphology changes obtained in vivo. We also evaluate how age modulates the impact of elevated IOP on RGC somal and axonal density in histological analysis as well the density of melanopsin RGCs. We discuss the challenges of using old animals and emphasize the potential of single RGC imaging for understanding the pathobiology of RGC loss and evaluating new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Delaney C M Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sara Giammaria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victoria L Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aliénor J Jamet
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Corey A Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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12
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7,8-Dihydroxiflavone Maintains Retinal Functionality and Protects Various Types of RGCs in Adult Rats with Optic Nerve Transection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111815. [PMID: 34769247 PMCID: PMC8584116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To analyze the neuroprotective effects of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (DHF) in vivo and ex vivo, adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats were given a left intraorbital optic nerve transection (IONT) and were divided in two groups: One was treated daily with intraperitoneal (ip) DHF (5 mg/kg) (n = 24) and the other (n = 18) received ip vehicle (1% DMSO in 0.9% NaCl) from one day before IONT until processing. At 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, and 21 days (d) after IONT, full field electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded from both experimental and one additional naïve-control group (n = 6). Treated rats were analyzed 7 (n = 14), 14 (n = 14) or 21 d (n = 14) after IONT, and the retinas immune stained against Brn3a, Osteopontin (OPN) and the T-box transcription factor T-brain 2 (Tbr2) to identify surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) (Brn3a+), α-like (OPN+), α-OFF like (OPN+Brn3a+) or M4-like/α-ON sustained RGCs (OPN+Tbr+). Naïve and right treated retinas showed normal ERG recordings. Left vehicle-treated retinas showed decreased amplitudes of the scotopic threshold response (pSTR) (as early as 5 d), the rod b-wave, the mixed response and the cone response (as early as 10 d), which did not recover with time. In these retinas, by day 7 the total numbers of Brn3a+RGCs, OPN+RGCs and OPN+Tbr2+RGCs decreased to less than one half and OPN+Brn3a+RGCs decreased to approximately 0.5%, and Brn3a+RGCs showed a progressive loss with time, while OPN+RGCs and OPN+Tbr2+RGCs did not diminish after seven days. Compared to vehicle-treated, the left DHF-treated retinas showed significantly greater amplitudes of the pSTR, normal b-wave values and significantly greater numbers of OPN+RGCs and OPN+Tbr2+RGCs for up to 14 d and of Brn3a+RGCs for up to 21 days. DHF affords significant rescue of Brn3a+RGCs, OPN+RGCs and OPN+Tbr2+RGCs, but not OPN+Brn3a+RGCs, and preserves functional ERG responses after IONT.
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13
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Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Regulates the Genesis of Displaced Retinal Ganglion Cells3. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0171-21.2021. [PMID: 34518365 PMCID: PMC8496207 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0171-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) proteins (GSK3α and GSK3β) are key mediators of signaling pathways, with crucial roles in coordinating fundamental biological processes during neural development. Here we show that the complete loss of GSK3 signaling in mouse retinal progenitors leads to microphthalmia with broad morphologic defects. A single wild-type allele of either Gsk3α or Gsk3β is able to rescue this phenotype. In this genetic context, all cell types are present in a functional retina. However, we unexpectedly detected a large number of cells in the inner nuclear layer expressing retinal ganglion cell (RGC)-specific markers (called displaced RGCs, dRGCs) when at least one allele of Gsk3α is expressed. The excess of dRGCs leads to an increased number of axons projecting into the ipsilateral medial terminal nucleus, an area of the brain belonging to the non-image-forming visual circuit and poorly targeted by RGCs in wild-type retina. Transcriptome analysis and optomotor response assay suggest that at least a subset of dRGCs in Gsk3 mutant mice are direction-selective RGCs. Our study thus uncovers a unique role of GSK3 in controlling the production of ganglion cells in the inner nuclear layer, which correspond to dRGCs, a rare and poorly characterized retinal cell type.
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14
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Establishing the ground squirrel as a superb model for retinal ganglion cell disorders and optic neuropathies. J Transl Med 2021; 101:1289-1303. [PMID: 34253851 PMCID: PMC8753557 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00637-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death occurs after optic nerve injury due to acute trauma or chronic degenerative conditions such as optic neuropathies (e.g., glaucoma). Currently, there are no effective therapies to prevent permanent vision loss resulting from RGC death, underlining the need for research on the pathogenesis of RGC disorders. Modeling human RGC/optic nerve diseases in non-human primates is ideal because of their similarity to humans, but has practical limitations including high cost and ethical considerations. In addition, many retinal degenerative disorders are age-related making the study in primate models prohibitively slow. For these reasons, mice and rats are commonly used to model RGC injuries. However, as nocturnal mammals, these rodents have retinal structures that differ from primates - possessing less than one-tenth of the RGCs found in the primate retina. Here we report the diurnal thirteen-lined ground squirrel (TLGS) as an alternative model. Compared to other rodent models, the number and distribution of RGCs in the TLGS retina are closer to primates. The TLGS retina possesses ~600,000 RGCs with the highest density along the equatorial retina matching the location of the highest cone density (visual streak). TLGS and primate retinas also share a similar interlocking pattern between RGC axons and astrocyte processes in the retina nerve fiber layer (RNFL). In addition, using TLGS we establish a new partial optic nerve injury model that precisely controls the extent of injury while sparing a portion of the retina as an ideal internal control for investigating the pathophysiology of axon degeneration and RGC death. Moreover, in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and ex vivo microscopic examinations of the retina in optic nerve injured TLGS confirm RGC loss precedes proximal axon degeneration, recapitulating human pathology. Thus, the TLGS retina is an excellent model, for translational research in neurodegeneration and therapeutic neuroprotection.
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15
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Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Gallego-Ortega A, Norte-Muñoz M, Di Pierdomenico J, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M. An in vivo model of focal light emitting diode-induced cone photoreceptor phototoxicity in adult pigmented mice: Protection with bFGF. Exp Eye Res 2021; 211:108746. [PMID: 34450185 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a model of focal injury by blue light-emitting diode (LED)-induced phototoxicity (LIP) in pigmented mouse retinas and to study the effects on cone, Iba-1+ cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell populations after administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and minocycline, alone or combined. METHODS In anesthetized dark-adapted adult female pigmented C57BL/6 mice, left pupils were dilated and the eye exposed to LIP (500 lux, 45 s). The retina was monitored longitudinally in vivo with SD-OCT for 7 days (d). Ex vivo, the effects of LIP and its protection with bFGF (0.5 μg) administered alone or combined with minocycline (45 mg/kg) were studied in immunolabeled arrestin-cone outer segments (a+OS) and quantified within a predetermined fixed-size circular area (PCA) centered on the lesion in flattened retinas at 1, 3, 5 or 7d. Moreover, Iba-1+ cells and RPE cell morphology were analysed with Iba-1 and ZO-1 antibodies, respectively. RESULTS LIP caused a focal lesion within the superior-temporal retina with retinal thinning, particularly the outer retinal layers (116.5 ± 2.9 μm to 36.8 ± 6.3 μm at 7d), and with progressive diminution of a+OS within the PCA reaching minimum values at 7d (6218 ± 342 to 3966 ± 311). Administration of bFGF alone (4519 ± 320) or in combination with minocycline (4882 ± 446) had a significant effect on a+OS survival at 7d and Iba-1+ cell activation was attenuated in the groups treated with minocycline. In parallel, the RPE cell integrity was progressively altered after LIP and administration of neuroprotective components had no restorative effect at 7d. CONCLUSIONS LIP resulted in progressive outer retinal damage affecting the OS cone population and RPE. Administration of bFGF increased a+OS survival but did not prevent RPE deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Norte-Muñoz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
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Vidal-Villegas B, Di Pierdomenico J, Gallego-Ortega A, Galindo-Romero C, Martínez-de-la-Casa JM, García-Feijoo J, Villegas-Pérez MP, Vidal-Sanz M. Systemic treatment with 7,8-Dihydroxiflavone activates TtkB and affords protection of two different retinal ganglion cell populations against axotomy in adult rats. Exp Eye Res 2021; 210:108694. [PMID: 34245756 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze responses of different RGC populations to left intraorbital optic nerve transection (IONT) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (DHF), a potent selective TrkB agonist. METHODS Adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats received, following IONT, daily i.p. injections of vehicle (1%DMSO in 0.9%NaCl) or DHF. Group-1 (n = 58) assessed at 7days (d) the optimal DHF amount (1-25 mg/kg). Group-2, using freshly dissected naïve or treated retinas (n = 28), investigated if DHF treatment was associated with TrkB activation using Western-blotting at 1, 3 or 7d. Group-3 (n = 98) explored persistence of protection and was analyzed at survival intervals from 7 to 60d after IONT. Groups 2-3 received daily i.p. vehicle or DHF (5 mg/kg). Retinal wholemounts were immunolabelled for Brn3a and melanopsin to identify Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs, respectively. RESULTS Optimal neuroprotection was achieved with 5 mg/kg DHF and resulted in TrkB phosphorylation. The percentage of surviving Brn3a+RGCs in vehicle treated rats was 60, 28, 18, 13, 12 or 8% of the original value at 7, 10, 14, 21, 30 or 60d, respectively, while in DHF treated retinas was 94, 70, 64, 17, 10 or 9% at the same time intervals. The percentages of m+RGCs diminished by 7d-13%, and recovered by 14d-38% in vehicle-treated and to 48% in DHF-treated retinas, without further variations. CONCLUSIONS DHF neuroprotects Brn3a + RGCs and m + RGCs; its protective effects for Brn3a+RGCs are maximal at 7 days but still significant at 21d, whereas for m+RGCs neuroprotection was significant at 14d and permanent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Vidal-Villegas
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose M Martínez-de-la-Casa
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian García-Feijoo
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María P Villegas-Pérez
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca. Campus de CC de la Salud, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
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Neurodegeneration, Neuroprotection and Regeneration in the Zebrafish Retina. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030633. [PMID: 33809186 PMCID: PMC8000332 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, involve a gradual loss of neurons in the retina as the disease progresses. Central nervous system neurons are not able to regenerate in mammals, therefore, an often sought after course of treatment for neuronal loss follows a neuroprotective or regenerative strategy. Neuroprotection is the process of preserving the structure and function of the neurons that have survived a harmful insult; while regenerative approaches aim to replace or rewire the neurons and synaptic connections that were lost, or induce regrowth of damaged axons or dendrites. In order to test the neuroprotective effectiveness or the regenerative capacity of a particular agent, a robust experimental model of retinal neuronal damage is essential. Zebrafish are being used more often in this type of study because their eye structure and development is well-conserved between zebrafish and mammals. Zebrafish are robust genetic tools and are relatively inexpensive to maintain. The large array of functional and behavioral tests available in zebrafish makes them an attractive model for neuroprotection studies. Some common insults used to model retinal disease and study neuroprotection in zebrafish include intense light, chemical toxicity and mechanical damage. This review covers the existing retinal neuroprotection and regeneration literature in the zebrafish and highlights their potential for future studies.
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Novikova YP, Grigoryan EN. Early Appearance of Aging Signs in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Young Albino Rats. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420060065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Davis BM, Guo L, Ravindran N, Shamsher E, Baekelandt V, Mitchell H, Bharath AA, De Groef L, Cordeiro MF. Dynamic changes in cell size and corresponding cell fate after optic nerve injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21683. [PMID: 33303775 PMCID: PMC7730151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77760-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying disease-specific patterns of retinal cell loss in pathological conditions has been highlighted by the emergence of techniques such as Detection of Apoptotic Retinal Cells and Adaptive Optics confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy which have enabled single-cell visualisation in vivo. Cell size has previously been used to stratify Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) populations in histological samples of optic neuropathies, and early work in this field suggested that larger RGCs are more susceptible to early loss than smaller RGCs. More recently, however, it has been proposed that RGC soma and axon size may be dynamic and change in response to injury. To address this unresolved controversy, we applied recent advances in maximising information extraction from RGC populations in retinal whole mounts to evaluate the changes in RGC size distribution over time, using three well-established rodent models of optic nerve injury. In contrast to previous studies based on sampling approaches, we examined the whole Brn3a-positive RGC population at multiple time points over the natural history of these models. The morphology of over 4 million RGCs was thus assessed to glean novel insights from this dataset. RGC subpopulations were found to both increase and decrease in size over time, supporting the notion that RGC cell size is dynamic in response to injury. However, this study presents compelling evidence that smaller RGCs are lost more rapidly than larger RGCs despite the dynamism. Finally, using a bootstrap approach, the data strongly suggests that disease-associated changes in RGC spatial distribution and morphology could have potential as novel diagnostic indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Davis
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Western Eye Hospital, ICORG, Imperial College London, London, NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Li Guo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Nivedita Ravindran
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ehtesham Shamsher
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannah Mitchell
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Anil A Bharath
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Western Eye Hospital, ICORG, Imperial College London, London, NW1 5QH, UK.
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20
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Photosensitive ganglion cells: A diminutive, yet essential population. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE OFTALMOLOGÍA 2020; 96:299-315. [PMID: 34092284 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2020.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our visual system has evolved to provide us with an image of the scene that surrounds us, informing us of its texture, colour, movement, and depth with an enormous spatial and temporal resolution, and for this purpose, the image formation (IF) dedicates the vast majority of our retinal ganglion cell (RGC) population and much of our cerebral cortex. On the other hand, a minuscule proportion of RGCs, in addition to receiving information from classic cone and rod photoreceptors, express melanopsin and are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGC). These ipRGC are dedicated to non-image-forming (NIF) visual functions, of which we are unaware, but which are essential for aspects related to our daily physiology, such as the timing of our circadian rhythms and our pupillary light reflex, among many others. Before the discovery of ipRGCs, it was thought that the IF and NIF functions were distinct compartments regulated by different RGCs, but this concept has evolved in recent years with the discovery of new types of ipRGCs that innervate subcortical IF regions, and therefore have IF visual functions. Six different types of ipRGCs are currently known. These are termed M1-M6, and differ in their morphological, functional, molecular properties, central projections, and visual behaviour responsibilities. A review is presented on the melanopsin visual system, the most active field of research in vision, for which knowledge has grown exponentially during the last two decades, when RGCs giving rise to this pathway were first discovered.
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21
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Millington-Ward S, Chadderton N, Berkeley M, Finnegan LK, Hanlon KS, Carrigan M, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Palfi A, Farrar GJ. Novel 199 base pair NEFH promoter drives expression in retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16515. [PMID: 33020509 PMCID: PMC7536420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are known to be involved in several ocular disorders, including glaucoma and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), and hence represent target cells for gene therapies directed towards these diseases. Restricting gene therapeutics to the target cell type in many situations may be preferable compared to ubiquitous transgene expression, stimulating researchers to identify RGC-specific promoters, particularly promoter sequences that may also be appropriate in size to fit readily into recombinant adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, the vector of choice for many ocular gene therapies. In the current study we analysed EGFP expression driven by various sequences of the putative human NEFH promoter in order to define sequences required for preferential expression in RGCs. EGFP expression profiles from four different potential NEFH promoter constructs were compared in vivo in mice using retinal histology and mRNA expression analysis. Notably, two efficient promoter sequences, one comprising just 199 bp, are presented in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Megan Berkeley
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Laura K Finnegan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Killian S Hanlon
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Peter Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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22
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Liu H, Perumal N, Manicam C, Mercieca K, Prokosch V. Proteomics Reveals the Potential Protective Mechanism of Hydrogen Sulfide on Retinal Ganglion Cells in an Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Animal Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13090213. [PMID: 32867129 PMCID: PMC7557839 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potent neurotransmitter and has been proven to protect RGCs against glaucomatous injury in vitro and in vivo. This study is to provide an overall insight of H2S’s role in glaucoma pathophysiology. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12) by elevating intraocular pressure to 55 mmHg for 60 min. Six of the animals received intravitreal injection of H2S precursor prior to the procedure and the retina was harvested 24 h later. Contralateral eyes were assigned as control. RGCs were quantified and compared within the groups. Retinal proteins were analyzed via label-free mass spectrometry based quantitative proteomics approach. The pathways of the differentially expressed proteins were identified by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). H2S significantly improved RGC survival against I/R in vivo (p < 0.001). In total 1115 proteins were identified, 18 key proteins were significantly differentially expressed due to I/R and restored by H2S. Another 11 proteins were differentially expressed following H2S. IPA revealed a significant H2S-mediated activation of pathways related to mitochondrial function, iron homeostasis and vasodilation. This study provides first evidence of the complex role that H2S plays in protecting RGC against I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Liu
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (H.L.); (N.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (H.L.); (N.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Caroline Manicam
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (H.L.); (N.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Karl Mercieca
- Royal Eye Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WH, UK;
| | - Verena Prokosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-1703862250
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23
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Gallego-Ortega A, Norte-Muñoz M, Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Bernal-Garro JM, Valiente-Soriano FJ, de la Villa Polo P, Avilés-Trigueros M, Villegas-Pérez MP, Vidal-Sanz M. Functional and morphological alterations in a glaucoma model of acute ocular hypertension. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 256:1-29. [PMID: 32958209 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To study short and long-term effects of acute ocular hypertension (AOHT) on inner and outer retinal layers, in adult Sprague-Dawley rats AOHT (87mmHg) was induced for 90min and the retinas were examined longitudinally in vivo with electroretinogram (ERG) recordings and optical coherent tomography (OCT) from 1 to 90 days (d). Ex vivo, the retinas were analyzed for rod (RBC) and cone (CBC) bipolar cells, with antibodies against protein kinase Cα and recoverin, respectively in cross sections, and for cones, horizontal (HZ) and ganglion (RGC) cells with antibodies against arrestin, calbindin and Brn3a, respectively in wholemounts. The inner retina thinned progressively up to 7d with no further changes, while the external retina had a normal thickness until 30d, with a 20% thinning between 30 and 90d. Functionally, the a-wave showed an initial reduction by 24h and a further reduction from 30 to 90d. All other main ERG waves were significantly reduced by 1d without significant recovery by 90d. Radial sections showed a normal population of RBCs but their terminals were reduced. The CBCs showed a progressive decrease with a loss of 56% by 30d. In wholemount retinas, RGCs diminished to 40% by 3d and to 16% by 30d without further loss. Cones diminished to 58% and 35% by 3 and 7d, respectively and further decreased between 30 and 90d. HZs showed normal values throughout the study. In conclusion, AOHT affects both the inner and outer retina, with a more pronounced degeneration of the cone than the rod pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Norte-Muñoz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - José Manuel Bernal-Garro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Valiente-Soriano
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro de la Villa Polo
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcelino Avilés-Trigueros
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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24
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Kunze VP, Ball JM, Peng BT, Krishnan A, Zhou G, Dong L, Li W. True S-cones are concentrated in the ventral mouse retina and wired for color detection in the upper visual field. eLife 2020; 9:e56840. [PMID: 32463363 PMCID: PMC7308094 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Color, an important visual cue for survival, is encoded by comparing signals from photoreceptors with different spectral sensitivities. The mouse retina expresses a short wavelength-sensitive and a middle/long wavelength-sensitive opsin (S- and M-opsin), forming opposing, overlapping gradients along the dorsal-ventral axis. Here, we analyzed the distribution of all cone types across the entire retina for two commonly used mouse strains. We found, unexpectedly, that 'true S-cones' (S-opsin only) are highly concentrated (up to 30% of cones) in ventral retina. Moreover, S-cone bipolar cells (SCBCs) are also skewed towards ventral retina, with wiring patterns matching the distribution of true S-cones. In addition, true S-cones in the ventral retina form clusters, which may augment synaptic input to SCBCs. Such a unique true S-cone and SCBC connecting pattern forms a basis for mouse color vision, likely reflecting evolutionary adaptation to enhance color coding for the upper visual field suitable for mice's habitat and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Vincent P Kunze
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - John M Ball
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Brian T Peng
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Akshay Krishnan
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Gaohui Zhou
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Lijin Dong
- Genetic Engineering Facility, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Wei Li
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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25
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Hydrogen Sulfide and β-Synuclein Are Involved and Interlinked in the Aging Glaucomatous Retina. J Ophthalmol 2020; 2020:8642135. [PMID: 32351728 PMCID: PMC7178476 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8642135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is a group of disorders characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Synucleins, a family of small proteins, have been of interest in studies of neurodegeneration and CNS. However, their roles and functions in glaucoma are still not completely understood and remain to be explored. Our previous studies showed that α-synuclein and H2S play a pivotal role in glaucoma. This study aims to (1) elucidate the potential roles and functions of synucleins in glaucoma throughout aging, (2) investigate the interaction between the synucleins and H2S, and better understand the mechanism of H2S in neuroprotection. Methods The chronic IOP elevation model was carried out in 12 animals at different ages (3 months and 14 months), and RGCs were quantified by Brn3a staining. Mass spectrometric-assisted proteomics analysis was employed to measure synuclein levels and H2S producing proteins in retina. Secondly, the acute IOP elevation model was carried out in 12 juvenile animals, with or without intravitreal injection of GYY4137 (a H2S donor). RGCs were quantified along with the abundancy of synucleins. Results RGCs and β-synuclein (SNCB) are significantly changed in old animals. Under chronic IOP elevation, there is a significant RGC loss in old animals, whereas no significant change in young animals; SNCB is significantly downregulated and 3MST is significantly upregulated in young animals due to IOP, while no significant changes in old ones are notable. Under acute IOP elevation (approx. 55 mmHg), a significant RGC loss is observed; exogenous H2S significantly reduced RGC loss and downregulated SNCB levels. Conclusion The present study indicates a strong link between ageing and SNCB regulation. In young animals SNCB is downregulated going along with less RGC loss. Furthermore, increasing endogenous H2S is effective to downregulate SNCB and is neuroprotective against acute IOP elevation.
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26
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Neuronal Death in the Contralateral Un-Injured Retina after Unilateral Axotomy: Role of Microglial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225733. [PMID: 31731684 PMCID: PMC6888632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For years it has been known that unilateral optic nerve lesions induce a bilateral response that causes an inflammatory and microglial response in the contralateral un-injured retinas. Whether this contralateral response involves retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is still unknown. We have analyzed the population of RGCs and the expression of several genes in both retinas of pigmented mice after a unilateral axotomy performed close to the optic nerve head (0.5 mm), or the furthest away that the optic nerve can be accessed intraorbitally in mice (2 mm). In both retinas, RGC-specific genes were down-regulated, whereas caspase 3 was up-regulated. In the contralateral retinas, there was a significant loss of 15% of RGCs that did not progress further and that occurred earlier when the axotomy was performed at 2 mm, that is, closer to the contralateral retina. Finally, the systemic treatment with minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that selectively inhibits microglial cells, or with meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, rescued RGCs in the contralateral but not in the injured retina. In conclusion, a unilateral optic nerve axotomy triggers a bilateral response that kills RGCs in the un-injured retina, a death that is controlled by anti-inflammatory and anti-microglial treatments. Thus, contralateral retinas should not be used as controls.
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27
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Craenen K, Verslegers M, Craeghs L, Quintens R, Janssen A, Coolkens A, Baatout S, Moons L, Benotmane MA. Abnormal retinal pigment epithelium melanogenesis as a major determinant for radiation-induced congenital eye defects. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 91:59-73. [PMID: 31705956 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies highlighted a link between ionizing radiation exposure during neurulation and birth defects such as microphthalmos and anophthalmos. Because the mechanisms underlying these defects remain largely unexplored, we irradiated pregnant C57BL/6J mice (1.0 Gy, X-rays) at embryonic day (E)7.5, followed by histological and gene/protein expression analyses at defined days. Irradiation impaired embryonic development at E9 and we observed a delayed pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at E11. In addition, a reduced RNA expression and protein abundance of critical eye-development genes (e.g. Pax6 and Lhx2) was observed. Furthermore, a decreased expression of Mitf, Tyr and Tyrp1 supported the radiation-induced perturbation in RPE pigmentation. Finally, via immunostainings for proliferation (Ki67) and mitosis (phosphorylated histone 3), a decreased mitotic index was observed in the E18 retina after exposure at E7.5. Overall, we propose a plausible etiological model for radiation-induced eye-size defects, with RPE melanogenesis as a major determining factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Craenen
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium; Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61 bus 2464, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Mieke Verslegers
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Livine Craeghs
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium; Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61 bus 2464, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Roel Quintens
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Ann Janssen
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Amelie Coolkens
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61 bus 2464, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Mohammed Abderrafi Benotmane
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN, Boeretang 200, Mol 2400, Belgium.
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28
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García-Ayuso D, Di Pierdomenico J, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP. Retinal Ganglion Cell Death as a Late Remodeling Effect of Photoreceptor Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184649. [PMID: 31546829 PMCID: PMC6770703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited or acquired photoreceptor degenerations, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world, are a group of retinal disorders that initially affect rods and cones, situated in the outer retina. For many years it was assumed that these diseases did not spread to the inner retina. However, it is now known that photoreceptor loss leads to an unavoidable chain of events that cause neurovascular changes in the retina including migration of retinal pigment epithelium cells, formation of “subretinal vascular complexes”, vessel displacement, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axonal strangulation by retinal vessels, axonal transport alteration and, ultimately, RGC death. These events are common to all photoreceptor degenerations regardless of the initial trigger and thus threaten the outcome of photoreceptor substitution as a therapeutic approach, because with a degenerating inner retina, the photoreceptor signal will not reach the brain. In conclusion, therapies should be applied early in the course of photoreceptor degeneration, before the remodeling process reaches the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain.
| | - María P Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain.
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29
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Rocha-Martins M, de Toledo BC, Santos-França PL, Oliveira-Valença VM, Vieira-Vieira CH, Matos-Rodrigues GE, Linden R, Norden C, Martins RAP, Silveira MS. De novo genesis of retinal ganglion cells by targeted expression of Klf4 in vivo. Development 2019; 146:dev.176586. [PMID: 31405994 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is a hallmark of glaucoma, the most prevalent cause of irreversible blindness. Thus, therapeutic strategies are needed to protect and replace these projection neurons. One innovative approach is to promote de novo genesis of RGCs via manipulation of endogenous cell sources. Here, we demonstrate that the pluripotency regulator gene Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) is sufficient to change the potency of lineage-restricted retinal progenitor cells to generate RGCs in vivo Transcriptome analysis disclosed that the overexpression of Klf4 induces crucial regulators of RGC competence and specification, including Atoh7 and Eya2 In contrast, loss-of-function studies in mice and zebrafish demonstrated that Klf4 is not essential for generation or differentiation of RGCs during retinogenesis. Nevertheless, induced RGCs (iRGCs) generated upon Klf4 overexpression migrate to the proper layer and project axons aligned with endogenous fascicles that reach the optic nerve head. Notably, iRGCs survive for up to 30 days after in vivo generation. We identified Klf4 as a promising candidate for reprogramming retinal cells and regenerating RGCs in the retina.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurício Rocha-Martins
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil .,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Beatriz C de Toledo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Santos-França
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Viviane M Oliveira-Valença
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Vieira-Vieira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel E Matos-Rodrigues
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caren Norden
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Rodrigo A P Martins
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Silveira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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30
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Hajdú RI, Laurik LK, Szabó K, Dékány B, Almási Z, Énzsöly A, Szabó A, Radovits T, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Szél Á, Somfai GM, Dávid C, Lukáts Á. Detailed Evaluation of Possible Ganglion Cell Loss in the Retina of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10463. [PMID: 31320684 PMCID: PMC6639371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46879-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A thinning of the inner retina is one of the earliest potential markers of neuroretinal damage in diabetic subjects. The histological background is uncertain; retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and changes in the structure or thickness of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) have been suspected. Studies conducted on animal models on RGC pathology gave contradictory results. Hereby we present RGC numbers, distribution patterns and IPL thickness from Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. After labelling RGCs on retinal whole mounts, isodensity maps were constructed, RGC numbers and distribution patterns analysed using a custom-built algorithm, enabling point-by-point comparison. There was no change in staining characteristics of the antibodies and no significant difference in average RGC densities was found compared to controls. The distribution patterns were also comparable and no significant difference was found in IPL thickness and stratification or in the number of apoptotic cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Our results provide a detailed evaluation of the inner retina and exclude major RGC loss in ZDF rats and suggest that other factors could serve as a potential explanation for inner retinal thinning in clinical studies. Our custom-built method could be adopted for the assessment of other animal or human retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozina I Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lenke K Laurik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klaudia Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bulcsú Dékány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Almási
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Énzsöly
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arnold Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Szél
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor M Somfai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Retinology Unit, Pallas Kliniken, Olten, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Dávid
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Effect of Resveratrol on In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Diabetic Retinophathy: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143503. [PMID: 31319465 PMCID: PMC6678653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of preclinical studies suggest the involvement of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of eye diseases induced by oxidative stress and inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that resveratrol influences many pathways of in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic retinopathy through a systematic literature review of original articles. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search of all original articles published until April 2019 was performed. The terms “resveratrol” in combination with “retina”, “retinal pathology”, “diabetic retinopathy” and “eye” were searched. Possible biases were identified with the adopted SYRCLE’s tool. Eighteen articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria for full-text review. Eleven of them included in vitro experiments, 11 studies reported in vivo data and 3 studies described both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Most of the in vivo studies did not include data that would allow exclusion of bias risks, according to SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Both in vitro and in vivo data suggest anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions of resveratrol in models of diabetic retinopathy. However, results on its anti-angiogenic effects are contradictory and need more rigorous studies.
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Lax P, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Maneu V, Vidal-Sanz M, Cuenca N. Photosensitive Melanopsin-Containing Retinal Ganglion Cells in Health and Disease: Implications for Circadian Rhythms. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3164. [PMID: 31261700 PMCID: PMC6651433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) represent a third class of retinal photoreceptors involved in regulating the pupillary light reflex and circadian photoentrainment, among other things. The functional integrity of the circadian system and melanopsin cells is an essential component of well-being and health, being both impaired in aging and disease. Here we review evidence of melanopsin-expressing cell alterations in aging and neurodegenerative diseases and their correlation with the development of circadian rhythm disorders. In healthy humans, the average density of melanopsin-positive cells falls after age 70, accompanied by age-dependent atrophy of dendritic arborization. In addition to aging, inner and outer retinal diseases also involve progressive deterioration and loss of mRGCs that positively correlates with progressive alterations in circadian rhythms. Among others, mRGC number and plexus complexity are impaired in Parkinson's disease patients; changes that may explain sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in this pathology. The key role of mRGCs in circadian photoentrainment and their loss in age and disease endorse the importance of eye care, even if vision is lost, to preserve melanopsin ganglion cells and their essential functions in the maintenance of an adequate quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Ortuño-Lizarán
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies "Ramon Margalef", University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
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Melanopsin +RGCs Are fully Resistant to NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123012. [PMID: 31226772 PMCID: PMC6627747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied short- and long-term effects of intravitreal injection of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) on melanopsin-containing (m+) and non-melanopsin-containing (Brn3a+) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In adult SD-rats, the left eye received a single intravitreal injection of 5µL of 100nM NMDA. At 3 and 15 months, retinal thickness was measured in vivo using Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Ex vivo analyses were done at 3, 7, or 14 days or 15 months after damage. Whole-mounted retinas were immunolabelled for brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A (Brn3a) and melanopsin (m), the total number of Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were quantified, and their topography represented. In control retinas, the mean total numbers of Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were 78,903 ± 3572 and 2358 ± 144 (mean ± SD; n = 10), respectively. In the NMDA injected retinas, Brn3a+RGCs numbers diminished to 49%, 28%, 24%, and 19%, at 3, 7, 14 days, and 15 months, respectively. There was no further loss between 7 days and 15 months. The number of immunoidentified m+RGCs decreased significantly at 3 days, recovered between 3 and 7 days, and were back to normal thereafter. OCT measurements revealed a significant thinning of the left retinas at 3 and 15 months. Intravitreal injections of NMDA induced within a week a rapid loss of 72% of Brn3a+RGCs, a transient downregulation of melanopsin expression (but not m+RGC death), and a thinning of the inner retinal layers.
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Topical bromfenac transiently delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell loss. Exp Eye Res 2019; 182:156-159. [PMID: 30940447 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Optic nerve axotomy in rodents allows detailed studies of the effect of different treatments on the survival of central nervous system neurons, the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Here we have analyzed the neuroprotective effect of topical bromfenac treatment, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in clinic to ameliorate post-operative inflammation, on axotomized rat RGCs. The left optic nerve of adult rats was subjected to optic nerve crush (ONC). Half of the rats were treated with a topical instillation of saline. On the other half, immediately after the surgery, 2 drops of bromfenac (0.09% Yellox; Bausch & Lomb) were instilled, and then every 12 h until analysis. Retinas in both groups were dissected 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 days after ONC (n = 4-8/time point/group). Toxicity of bromfenac was assessed in intact retinas treated during 14 days (n = 6). Intact untreated retinas were used as control of the RGC population. RGCs were identified by Brn3a immunodetection and automatically quantified. Our results show that bromfenac does not cause RGC loss in intact retinas. In the injured groups, the number of RGCs at 7, 9 and 14 days after the lesion was significantly higher in treated vs. untreated retinas. To our knowledge this is the first report showing that a topical treatment with a NSAIDs delays axotomy-induced RGC loss and indicates that treatment with NSAIDs could be used as conjunctive therapy in diseases that proceed with optic nerve damage.
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Lauzi J, Anders F, Liu H, Pfeiffer N, Grus F, Thanos S, Arnhold S, Prokosch V. Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of CRMP-5 on retinal ganglion cells in an experimental in vivo and in vitro model of glaucoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0207190. [PMID: 30673694 PMCID: PMC6343933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the potential neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative effects of Collapsin-response-mediator-protein-5 (CRMP-5) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) using in vitro and in vivo animal models of glaucoma. Methods Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by cauterization of three episcleral veins. Changes in CRMP-5 expression within the retinal proteome were analyzed via label-free mass spectrometry. In vitro, retinal explants were cultured under elevated pressure (60 mmHg) within a high-pressure incubation chamber with and without addition of different concentrations of CRMP-5 (4 μg/l, 200 μg/l and 400 μg/l). In addition, retinal explants were cultured under regenerative conditions with and without application of 200 μg/l CRMP-5 after performing an optic nerve crush (ONC). Thirdly, an antibody against Protein Kinase B (PKB) was added to examine the possible effects of CRMP-5. RGC count was performed. Number and length of the axons were determined and compared. To undermine a signal-transduction pathway via CRMP-5 and PKB microarray and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results CRMP-5 was downregulated threefold in animals showing chronically elevated IOP. The addition of CRMP-5 to retinal culture significantly increased RGC numbers under pressure in a dose-dependent manner and increased and elongated outgrowing axons in retinal explants significantly which could be blocked by PKB. Especially the number of neurites longer than 400 μm significantly increased after application of CRMP-5. CRMP-5 as well as PKB were detected higher in the experimental than in the control group. Conclusion CRMP-5 seems to play an important role in an animal model of glaucoma. Addition of CRMP-5 exerts neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative effects in vitro. This effect could be mediated via activation of PKB affecting intra-cellular apoptosis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Lauzi
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - Fabian Anders
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - Hanhan Liu
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - Franz Grus
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
| | - Solon Thanos
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Arnhold
- Institute of Veterinary-Anatomy, -Histology and–Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Verena Prokosch
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz
- * E-mail:
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Huang R, Liang S, Fang L, Wu M, Cheng H, Mi X, Ding Y. Low-dose minocycline mediated neuroprotection on retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury of mice. Mol Vis 2018; 24:367-378. [PMID: 29853771 PMCID: PMC5957545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of minocycline (MC) on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury model of retinal degeneration. METHODS Retinal I/R injury was induced in the left eye of mice for 60 min by maintaining intraocular pressure at 90 mmHg. Low- or high-dose MC (20 or 100 mg/kg, respectively) was administered by intravenous injection at 5 min after the retinal ischemic insult and then administered once daily until the mice were euthanized. RGCs and microglial cells were counted using immunofluorescence staining. Functional changes in the RGCs were evaluated using electroretinography. The visual function was assessed using an optokinetic test. RESULTS The data demonstrated that the effect of MC was dose dependent. Low-dose MC showed protective effects, with reduced RGC loss and microglial activation, while the high-dose MC showed damage effects, with more RGC loss and microglial activation when compared with the vehicle group. The electroretinography and optokinetic test results were consistent with the morphologic observations. CONCLUSIONS These data suggested that appropriate concentrations of MC can protect the retina against retinal ischemic-reperfusion injury, while excessive MC has detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruojing Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaomin Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lyujie Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou first people’s hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology,The third Affiliated Hospital, Sun YAT-SEN University
| | - Xuesong Mi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,Changsha Academician Expert Workstation, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China,School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Yong Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Gutierrez-Ibanez C, Gaede AH, Dannish MR, Altshuler DL, Wylie DR. The retinal projection to the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) and Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2018; 204:369-376. [PMID: 29340763 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-018-1245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In birds, the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) and the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM) are retinal recipient nuclei involved in the analysis of optic flow and the generation of the optokinetic response. In both pigeons and chickens, retinal inputs to the nBOR arise from displaced ganglion cells (DGCs), which are found at the margin of the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers. The LM receives afferents from retinal ganglion cells, but whether DGCs also project to LM is a matter of debate. Previous work in chickens had concluded that DGCs do not project to LM, but a recent study in pigeons found that both retinal ganglion cells and DGCs project to LM. These findings leave open the question of whether there are species differences with respect to the DGC projection to LM. In the present study, we made small injections of retrograde tracer into the LM in a zebra finch and an Anna's hummingbird. In both cases, retrogradely labeled retinal ganglion cells and DGCs were observed. These results suggest that a retinal input to the LM arising from DGCs is characteristic of most, if not all, birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea H Gaede
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Max R Dannish
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Douglas L Altshuler
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Douglas R Wylie
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
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38
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Varano GP, Parisi V, Adornetto A, Cavaliere F, Amantea D, Nucci C, Corasaniti MT, Morrone LA, Bagetta G, Russo R. Post-ischemic treatment with azithromycin protects ganglion cells against retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat. Mol Vis 2017; 23:911-921. [PMID: 29296071 PMCID: PMC5741380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ischemic phenomena occur in several ocular diseases that share the degeneration and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as the final event. We tested the neuroprotective effect of azithromycin, a widely used semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic endowed with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, in a model of retinal ischemic injury induced by transient elevation of intraocular pressure in the rat. Methods Retinal ischemia was induced in adult rats with transient elevation of intraocular pressure. RGCs were retrogradely labeled with Fluoro-Gold, and survival was assessed following a single dose of azithromycin given systemically at the end of the ischemia. The expression of death-associated proteins and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was studied with western blotting. Expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 were analyzed with gelatin zymography. Results Acute post-injury administration of azithromycin significantly prevented RGC death. This effect was accompanied by reduced calpain activity and prevention of Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) upregulation. The observed neuroprotection was associated with a significant inhibition of MMP-2/-9 gelatinolytic activity and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusions Azithromycin provides neuroprotection by modifying the inflammatory state of the retina following ischemia/reperfusion injury suggesting potential for repurposing as a drug capable of limiting or preventing retinal neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pasquale Varano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Parisi
- Visual Neurophysiology and Neurophthalmology Research Unit, IRCCS G.B. Bietti Foundation, Roma
| | - Annagrazia Adornetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Cavaliere
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Diana Amantea
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata” Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Antonio Morrone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giacinto Bagetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Rossella Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Section of Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Jiménez-López M, Salinas-Navarro M, Sobrado-Calvo P, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. Microglial dynamics after axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:218. [PMID: 29121969 PMCID: PMC5679427 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglial cells (MCs) are the sentries of the central nervous system. In health, they are known as surveying MCs because they examine the tissue to maintain the homeostasis. In disease, they activate and, among other functions, become phagocytic to clean the cellular debris. In this work, we have studied the behavior of rat retinal MCs in two models of unilateral complete intraorbital optic nerve axotomy which elicit a different time course of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. METHODS Albino Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into these groups: (a) intact (no surgery), (b) fluorogold (FG) tracing from the superior colliculi, and (c) FG tracing + crush or transection of the left optic nerve. The retinas were dissected from 2 days to 2 months after the lesions (n = 4-12 group/lesion and time point) and then were subjected to Brn3a and Iba1 double immunodetection. In each intact retina, the total number of Brn3a+RGCs and Iba+MCs was quantified. In each traced retina (b and c groups), FG-traced RGCs and phagocytic microglial cells (PMCs, FG+Iba+) were also quantified. Topographical distribution was assessed by neighbor maps. RESULTS In intact retinas, surveying MCs are homogenously distributed in the ganglion cell layer and the inner plexiform layer. Independently of the axotomy model, RGC death occurs in two phases, one quick and one protracted, and there is a lineal and topographical correlation between the appearance of PMCs and the loss of traced RGCs. Furthermore, the clearance of FG+RGCs by PMCs occurs 3 days after the actual loss of Brn3a expression that marks RGC death. In addition, almost 50% of MCs from the inner plexiform layer migrate to the ganglion cell layer during the quick phase of RGC loss, returning to the inner plexiform layer during the slow degeneration phase. Finally, in contrast to what happens in mice, in rats, there is no microglial phagocytosis in the contralateral uninjured retina. CONCLUSIONS Axotomy-induced RGC death occurs earlier than RGC clearance and there is an inverse correlation between RGC loss and PMC appearance, both numerically and topographically, suggesting that phagocytosis occurs as a direct response to RGC death rather than to axonal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Present address: Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Manuel Jiménez-López
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paloma Sobrado-Calvo
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Grupo de Oftalmología Experimental, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca, Edificio LAIB Planta 5ª, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Nadal-Nicolás FM, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M. The aging rat retina: from function to anatomy. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 61:146-168. [PMID: 29080498 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In healthy beings, age is the ultimate reason of cellular malfunction and death. In the rat retina, age causes a functional decline and loss of specific neuronal populations. In this regard, controversial conclusions have been reported for the innermost retina. Here, we have studied the albino and pigmented retina for the duration of the rat life-span. Independent of age (21 days-22 months), the electroretinographic recordings and the volume of the retina and its layers are smaller in albinos. Functionally, aging causes in both strains a loss of cone- and rod-mediated responses. Anatomically, cell density decreases with age because the retina grows linearly with time; no cell loss is observed in the ganglion cell layer; and only in the pigmented rat, there is a decrease in cone photoreceptors. In old animals of both strains, there is gliosis in the superior colliculi and a diminution of the area innervated by retinal ganglion cells. In conclusion, this work provides the basis for further studies linking senescence to neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca) and Departamento de Oftalmología Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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41
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Hanlon KS, Chadderton N, Palfi A, Blanco Fernandez A, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Millington-Ward S, Farrar GJ. A Novel Retinal Ganglion Cell Promoter for Utility in AAV Vectors. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:521. [PMID: 28983234 PMCID: PMC5613148 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in gene therapy have enabled exploration of therapies for inherited retinal disorders, many of which are in preclinical development or clinical evaluation. Gene therapy for retinal conditions has led the way in this growing field. The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a hallmark of a number of retinal disorders. As the field matures innovations that aid in refining therapies and optimizing efficacy are in demand. Gene therapies under development for RGC-related disorders, when delivered with recombinant adeno associated vectors (AAV), have typically been expressed from ubiquitous promoter sequences. Here we describe how a novel promoter from the murine Nefh gene was selected to drive transgene expression in RGCs. The Nefh promoter, in an AAV2/2 vector, was shown to drive preferential EGFP expression in murine RGCs in vivo following intravitreal injection. In contrast, EGFP expression from a CMV promoter was observed not only in RGCs, but throughout the inner nuclear layer and in amacrine cells located within the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Of note, the Nefh promoter sequence is sufficiently compact to be readily accommodated in AAV vectors, where transgene size represents a significant constraint. Moreover, this promoter should in principle provide a more targeted and potentially safer alternative for RGC-directed gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian S Hanlon
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Humphries
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland.,Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear HospitalDublin, Ireland
| | - Sophia Millington-Ward
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
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Chintalapudi SR, Patel NN, Goldsmith ZK, Djenderedjian L, Wang XD, Marion TN, Jablonski MM, Morales-Tirado VM. Isolation of Primary Murine Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) by Flow Cytometry. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28715391 DOI: 10.3791/55785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases often have a devastating impact on those affected. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is implicated in an array of diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, in addition to normal aging. Despite their importance, RGCs have been extremely difficult to study until now due in part to the fact that they comprise only a small percentage of the wide variety of cells in the retina. In addition, current isolation methods use intracellular markers to identify RGCs, which produce non-viable cells. These techniques also involve lengthy isolation protocols, so there is a lack of practical, standardized, and dependable methods to obtain and isolate RGCs. This work describes an efficient, comprehensive, and reliable method to isolate primary RGCs from mice retinae using a protocol based on both positive and negative selection criteria. The presented methods allow for the future study of RGCs, with the goal of better understanding the major decline in visual acuity that results from the loss of functional RGCs in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana R Chintalapudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Need N Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Zachary K Goldsmith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Levon Djenderedjian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Xiang Di Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Tony N Marion
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Monica M Jablonski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Vanessa M Morales-Tirado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center;
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García-Ayuso D, Galindo-Romero C, Di Pierdomenico J, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M, Villegas Pérez MP. Light-induced retinal degeneration causes a transient downregulation of melanopsin in the rat retina. Exp Eye Res 2017; 161:10-16. [PMID: 28552384 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work we study the effects of an acute light-induced retinal degeneration on the population of melanopsin positive retinal ganglion cells (m+RGCs) and the expression of the melanopsin protein in the retina. The m+RGCs may be more resistant than other RGCs to lesion, but the effects of an acute light exposure in this population are unknown. Albino rats were exposed to white light (3000 lux) continuously for 48 h and processed 0, 3, 7 or 30 days after light exposure (ALE). Whole-mounted retinas were immunodetected with antibodies against melanopsin, Brn3a, and rhodopsin to study the populations of m+RGC, Brn3a+RGC and rods (which are the most abundant photoreceptors in the rat retina). Three days ALE there was substantial rod loss in an arciform area of the superior retina and with time this loss expanded in the form of rings all throughout the retina. Light exposure did not affect the number of Brn3a+RGCs but diminished the numbers of m+RGCs. Immediately ALE there was a significant decrease in the mean number of immunodetected m+RGCs that was more marked in the superior retina. Later, the number of m+RGCs increased progressively and reached normal values one month ALE. Western blot analysis showed that melanopsin expression down-regulates shortly ALE and recovers thereafter, in accordance with the anatomical data. This study demonstrates that there is a transient downregulation of melanopsin expression in the RGCs during the first month ALE. Further studies would be needed to clarify the long-term effect of light exposure on the m+RGC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain.
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain
| | - María P Villegas Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), Spain.
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44
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Vidal-Sanz M, Galindo-Romero C, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Ortin-Martinez A, Rovere G, Salinas-Navarro M, Lucas-Ruiz F, Sanchez-Migallon MC, Sobrado-Calvo P, Aviles-Trigueros M, Villegas-Pérez MP, Agudo-Barriuso M. Shared and Differential Retinal Responses against Optic Nerve Injury and Ocular Hypertension. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:235. [PMID: 28491019 PMCID: PMC5405145 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, affects primarily retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. The pathophysiology of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is currently believed that damage to RGC axons at the optic nerve head plays a major role. Rodent models to study glaucoma include those that mimic either ocular hypertension or optic nerve injury. Here we review the anatomical loss of the general population of RGCs (that express Brn3a; Brn3a+RGCs) and of the intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (that express melanopsin; m+RGCs) after chronic (LP-OHT) or acute (A-OHT) ocular hypertension and after complete intraorbital optic nerve transection (ONT) or crush (ONC). Our studies show that all of these insults trigger RGC death. Compared to Brn3a+RGCs, m+RGCs are more resilient to ONT, ONC, and A-OHT but not to LP-OHT. There are differences in the course of RGC loss both between these RGC types and among injuries. An important difference between the damage caused by ocular hypertension or optic nerve injury appears in the outer retina. Both axotomy and LP-OHT induce selective loss of RGCs but LP-OHT also induces a protracted loss of cone photoreceptors. This review outlines our current understanding of the anatomical changes occurring in rodent models of glaucoma and discusses the advantages of each one and their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Caridad Galindo-Romero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Rovere
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Salinas-Navarro
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Maria C Sanchez-Migallon
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Paloma Sobrado-Calvo
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Marcelino Aviles-Trigueros
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - María P Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la ArrixacaMurcia, Spain
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45
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Gurdita A, Tan B, Joos KM, Bizheva K, Choh V. Pigmented and albino rats differ in their responses to moderate, acute and reversible intraocular pressure elevation. Doc Ophthalmol 2017; 134:205-219. [PMID: 28389912 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-017-9586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the electrophysiological and morphological responses to acute, moderately elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD), Long-Evans (LE) and Brown Norway (BN) rat eyes. METHODS Eleven-week-old SD (n = 5), LE (n = 5) and BN (n = 5) rats were used. Scotopic threshold responses (STRs), Maxwellian flash electroretinograms (ERGs) or ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) images of the rat retinas were collected from both eyes before, during and after IOP elevation of one eye. IOP was raised to ~35 mmHg for 1 h using a vascular loop, while the other eye served as a control. STRs, ERGs and UHR-OCT images were acquired on 3 days separated by 1 day of no experimental manipulation. RESULTS There were no significant differences between species in baseline electroretinography. However, during IOP elevation, peak positive STR amplitudes in LE (mean ± standard deviation 259 ± 124 µV) and BN (228 ± 96 µV) rats were about fourfold higher than those in SD rats (56 ± 46 µV) rats (p = 0.0002 for both). Similarly, during elevated IOP, ERG b-wave amplitudes were twofold higher in LE and BN rats compared to those of SD rats (947 ± 129 µV and 892 ± 184 µV, vs 427 ± 138 µV; p = 0.0002 for both). UHR-OCT images showed backward bowing in all groups during IOP elevation, with a return to typical form about 30 min after IOP elevation. CONCLUSION Differences in the loop-induced responses between the strains are likely due to different inherent retinal morphology and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Gurdita
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Bingyao Tan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Karen M Joos
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kostadinka Bizheva
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Vivian Choh
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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46
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Hannibal J, Christiansen AT, Heegaard S, Fahrenkrug J, Kiilgaard JF. Melanopsin expressing human retinal ganglion cells: Subtypes, distribution, and intraretinal connectivity. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:1934-1961. [PMID: 28160289 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) expressing the photopigment melanopsin belong to a heterogenic population of RGCs which regulate the circadian clock, masking behavior, melatonin suppression, the pupillary light reflex, and sleep/wake cycles. The different functions seem to be associated to different subtypes of melanopsin cells. In rodents, subtype classification has associated subtypes to function. In primate and human retina such classification has so far, not been applied. In the present study using antibodies against N- and C-terminal parts of human melanopsin, confocal microscopy and 3D reconstruction of melanopsin immunoreactive (-ir) RGCs, we applied the criteria used in mouse on human melanopsin-ir RGCs. We identified M1, displaced M1, M2, and M4 cells. We found two other subtypes of melanopsin-ir RGCs, which were named "gigantic M1 (GM1)" and "gigantic displaced M1 (GDM1)." Few M3 cells and no M5 subtypes were labeled. Total cell counts from one male and one female retina revealed that the human retina contains 7283 ± 237 melanopsin-ir (0.63-0.75% of the total number of RGCs). The melanopsin subtypes were unevenly distributed. Most significant was the highest density of M4 cells in the nasal retina. We identified input to the melanopsin-ir RGCs from AII amacrine cells and directly from rod bipolar cells via ribbon synapses in the innermost ON layer of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and from dopaminergic amacrine cells and GABAergic processes in the outermost OFF layer of the IPL. The study characterizes a heterogenic population of human melanopsin-ir RGCs, which most likely are involved in different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Hannibal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Fahrenkrug
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Folke Kiilgaard
- Department of Ophalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wang J, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Rovere G, Chen S, Huang W, Agudo-Barriuso M, Jonas JB, Vidal-Sanz M, Zhang X. MicroRNA regulation in an animal model of acute ocular hypertension. Acta Ophthalmol 2017; 95:e10-e21. [PMID: 27535721 PMCID: PMC6213559 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To analyse miRNA regulation in a rat model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH). Methods Acute ocular hypertension (AOH) was induced in the left eye of adult albino rats by inserting a cannula connected with a saline container into the anterior chamber. The contralateral eye served as a control. Seven days later, animals were killed. Retinas were used either for quantitative analysis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and microglial cells or for miRNA array hybridization, qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. Results Anatomically, AOH caused axonal degeneration, a significant loss of RGCs and a significant increase in microglial cells in the ganglion cell layer. The miRNAs microarray analysis revealed 31 differentially expressed miRNAs in the AOH versus control group, and the regulation of 12 selected microRNAs was further confirmed by qRT‐PCR. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that several signalling pathways are putatively regulated by the validated miRNAs. Of particular interest was the inflammatory pathway signalled by mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In agreement with the in silico analysis, p38 MAP kinase, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and iNOS proteins were significantly upregulated in the AOH retinas. Conclusions Acute IOP elevation led to changes in the expression of miRNAs, whose target genes were associated with the regulation of microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation or neural apoptosis. Addressing miRNAs in the process of retinal ischaemia and optic nerve damage in association with high IOP elevation may open new avenues in preventing retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and may serve as target for future therapeutic regimen in acute ocular hypertension and retinal ischaemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
- Eye Center of Shandong University; The Second Hospital of Shandong University; Jinan China
| | - Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Murcia and Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research-Hospital Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca); Murcia Spain
| | - Francisco M. Nadal-Nicolás
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Murcia and Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research-Hospital Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca); Murcia Spain
| | - Giuseppe Rovere
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Murcia and Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research-Hospital Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca); Murcia Spain
| | - Shida Chen
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Wenbin Huang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Murcia and Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research-Hospital Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca); Murcia Spain
| | - Jost B. Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology; Medical Faculty Mannheim; Heidelberg University; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Department of Ophthalmology; University of Murcia and Murcian Institute of Biosanitary Research-Hospital Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca); Murcia Spain
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology; Sun Yat-Sen University; Guangzhou China
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Involvement of P2X7 receptor in neuronal degeneration triggered by traumatic injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38499. [PMID: 27929040 PMCID: PMC5144087 DOI: 10.1038/srep38499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal injury is a common feature of central nervous system insults that culminates with the death of the affected neurons, and an irreversible loss of function. Inflammation is an important component of the neurodegenerative process, where the microglia plays an important role by releasing proinflammatory factors as well as clearing the death neurons by phagocytosis. Here we have identified the purinergic signaling through the P2X7 receptor as an important component for the neuronal death in a model of optic nerve axotomy. We have found that in P2X7 receptor deficient mice there is a delayed loss of retinal ganglion cells and a decrease of phagocytic microglia at early times points after axotomy. In contralateral to the axotomy retinas, P2X7 receptor controlled the numbers of phagocytic microglia, suggesting that extracellular ATP could act as a danger signal activating the P2X7 receptor in mediating the loss of neurons in contralateral retinas. Finally, we show that intravitreal administration of the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079 also delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death in retinas from wild type mice. Thus, our work demonstrates that P2X7 receptor signaling is involved in neuronal cell death after axonal injury, being P2X7 receptor antagonism a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Liu R, Wang Y, Pu M, Gao J. Effect of alpha lipoic acid on retinal ganglion cell survival in an optic nerve crush model. Mol Vis 2016; 22:1122-1136. [PMID: 27703307 PMCID: PMC5040455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine whether alpha lipoic acid (ALA) promotes the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat model of optic nerve crush (ONC) injury and to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of ALA in the retina in this ONC injury model. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-220 g) were subjected to ONC injury surgery. ALA (63 mg/kg) was injected intravenously 1 day before or after the ONC injury. Animals were euthanized after 10 days, and the number of ganglion cells positive for RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (Rbpms), which is an RGC marker, were counted on the whole mount retinas. In addition, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were performed to examine the localization and levels of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT4/5) in the retinas in all experimental groups. To determine whether the EPO/EPOR signaling pathway was involved in the ALA antioxidant pathway, the rats were subjected to ruxolitinib (INCB018424, 0.25 mg/kg, bid, intraperitoneal, i.p.) treatment after the animals were injected intravenously with ALA 1 day before ONC injury. RESULTS The average number of Rbpms-positive cells/mm2 in the control group (sham-operated group), the ONC group, the ALA-ONC group, and the ONC-ALA group retinas was 2219±28, 418±8, 848±22, and 613±18/mm2, respectively. The ALA-ONC and ONC-ALA groups showed a statistically significantly increased RGC survival rate compared to the ONC group. There were statistical differences in the RGC survival rates between the ALA-ONC (39%) and ONC-ALA groups (28%; p<0.05). Immunofluorescent labeling showed that EPOR and NT4/5 expression was significant in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL). At the same time, western blot analysis revealed that ALA induced upregulation of EPOR protein and NT4/5 protein expression in the retina after ONC injury. However, INCB018424 reversed the protective effects of ALA on the ONC retinas. CONCLUSIONS ALA has neuroprotective effects on RGCs after ONC injury. Moreover, prophylactic administration of ALA may have a stronger neuroprotective effect against ONC-induced damage. Based on these data, we also conclude that the endogenous EPO/EPOR signaling pathway may contribute to the protective effects of ALA in the retina after ONC injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixing Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory on Machine Perception (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory for Visual Impairment and Restoration (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory on Machine Perception (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory for Visual Impairment and Restoration (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingliang Pu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory on Machine Perception (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory for Visual Impairment and Restoration (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory on Machine Perception (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory for Visual Impairment and Restoration (Ministry of Education), Peking University, Beijing, China
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Agudo-Barriuso M, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Madeira MH, Rovere G, Vidal-Villegas B, Vidal-Sanz M. Melanopsin expression is an indicator of the well-being of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells but not of their viability. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1243-4. [PMID: 27651769 PMCID: PMC5020820 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.189182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco M Nadal-Nicolás
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María H Madeira
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Giuseppe Rovere
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Vidal-Villegas
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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