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Santiago AR, Madeira MH, Boia R, Aires ID, Rodrigues-Neves AC, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF. Keep an eye on adenosine: Its role in retinal inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107513. [PMID: 32109489 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside ubiquitously distributed throughout the body that interacts with G protein-coupled receptors, classified in four subtypes: A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R. Among the plethora of functions of adenosine, it has been increasingly recognized as a key mediator of the immune response. Neuroinflammation is a feature of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and contributes to the pathophysiology of several retinal degenerative diseases. Animal models of retinal diseases are helping to elucidate the regulatory roles of adenosine receptors in the development and progression of those diseases. Mounting evidence demonstrates that the adenosinergic system is altered in the retina during pathological conditions, compromising retinal physiology. This review focuses on the roles played by adenosine and the elements of the adenosinergic system (receptors, enzymes, transporters) in the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the retina. An improved understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the signalling pathways mediated by adenosine underlying the onset and progression of retinal diseases will pave the way towards the identification of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Santiago
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Maria H Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Dinis Aires
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Rodrigues-Neves
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Cuenca N, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Sánchez-Sáez X, Kutsyr O, Albertos-Arranz H, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Noailles A, López-Garrido JA, López-Gálvez M, Lax P, Maneu V, Pinilla I. Interpretation of OCT and OCTA images from a histological approach: Clinical and experimental implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100828. [PMID: 31911236 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) have been a technological breakthrough in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of many retinal diseases, thanks to its resolution and its ability to inform of the retinal state in seconds, which gives relevant information about retinal degeneration. In this review, we present an immunohistochemical description of the human and mice retina and we correlate it with the OCT bands in health and pathological conditions. Here, we propose an interpretation of the four outer hyperreflective OCT bands with a correspondence to retinal histology: the first and innermost band as the external limiting membrane (ELM), the second band as the cone ellipsoid zone (EZ), the third band as the outer segment tips phagocytosed by the pigment epithelium (PhaZ), and the fourth band as the mitochondria in the basal portion of the RPE (RPEmitZ). The integrity of these bands would reflect the health of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Moreover, we describe how the vascular plexuses vary in different regions of the healthy human and mice retina, using OCTA and immunohistochemistry. In humans, four, three, two or one plexuses can be observed depending on the distance from the fovea. Also, specific structures such as vascular loops in the intermediate capillary plexus, or spider-like structures of interconnected capillaries in the deep capillary plexus are found. In mice, three vascular plexuses occupy the whole retina, except in the most peripheral retina where only two plexuses are found. These morphological issues should be considered when assessing a pathology, as some retinal diseases are associated with structural changes in blood vessels. Therefore, the analysis of OCT bands and OCTA vascular plexuses may be complementary for the diagnosis and prognosis of retinal degenerative processes, useful to assess therapeutic approaches, and it is usually correlated to visual acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain; Institute Ramón Margalef, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | | | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
| | - Agustina Noailles
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
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53
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Alarautalahti V, Ragauskas S, Hakkarainen JJ, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Uusitalo H, Hyttinen J, Kalesnykas G, Nymark S. Viability of Mouse Retinal Explant Cultures Assessed by Preservation of Functionality and Morphology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1914-1927. [PMID: 31042799 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal explant cultures provide simplified systems where the functions of the retina and the effects of ocular therapies can be studied in an isolated environment. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into long-term preservation of retinal tissue in culture conditions, enable a deeper understanding of the interdependence of retinal morphology and function, and ensure the reliability of the explant technique for prolonged experiments. Methods Retinal explants from adult mice were cultured as organotypic culture at the air-medium interface for 14 days in vitro (DIV). Retinal functionality was assessed by multielectrode array technique and morphology by immunohistochemical methods at several time points during culture. Results Retinal explants retained viability for 14 DIV, although with diminishing neuronal activity, progressing neuronal loss, and increasing reactive gliosis. We recorded spontaneous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity up to 14 DIV with temporally changing distribution of RGC firing rates. Light responsiveness was measurable from RGCs for 7 DIV and from photoreceptors for 2 DIV. Apoptotic cells were detected beginning at 3 DIV with their density peaking at 7 DIV. The number of RGCs gradually decreased by 70% during 14 DIV. The change was accompanied by the loss of RGC functionality, resulting in 84% loss of electrically active RGCs. Conclusions Retinal explants provide a valuable tool for studies of retinal functions and development of ocular therapies. However, critical for long-term use, retinal functionality was lost before structural loss, emphasizing a need for both functional and morphologic readouts to determine the overall state of the cultured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Alarautalahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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54
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Arnold E, Thébault S, Aroña RM, Martínez de la Escalera G, Clapp C. Prolactin mitigates deficiencies of retinal function associated with aging. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 85:38-48. [PMID: 31698287 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging causes the progressive degeneration of retinal cells leading to the eventual loss of vision. The hormone prolactin (PRL) is a neurotrophic factor able to compensate for photoreceptor cell death and electroretinogram deficits induced by light retinal damage. Here, we used adult 4-month old and aged 20-month old pigmented mice, null or not for the PRL receptor to explore whether PRL provides trophic support against age-related retinal dysfunction. Retinal functionality, apoptosis, glia activation, and neurotrophin expression were assessed by electroretinogram, TUNEL, glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR, respectively. Lack of PRL signaling in aged mice, but not in adult mice, correlated with photosensitive retinal dysfunction, increased photoreceptor apoptosis, differential expression of proapoptotic mediators, and microglia activation. We conclude that PRL is required for maintaining retinal functionality in both female and male mice during aging and has potential therapeutic value against age-related retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Arnold
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, México; CONACYT-Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Stéphanie Thébault
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Rodrigo M Aroña
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | | | - Carmen Clapp
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, México.
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55
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Falasconi A, Biagioni M, Novelli E, Piano I, Gargini C, Strettoi E. Retinal Phenotype in the rd9 Mutant Mouse, a Model of X-Linked RP. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:991. [PMID: 31607844 PMCID: PMC6761883 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration 9 (rd9) mice carry a mutation in the retina specific “Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR)” Open Reading Frame (ORF) 15 gene, located on the X chromosome and represent a rare model of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), a common and severe form of retinal degeneration (Wright et al., 2010; Tsang and Sharma, 2018). The rd9 RPGR-ORF15 mutation in mice causes lack of the protein in photoreceptors and a slow degeneration of these cells with consequent decrease in Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL) thickness and amplitude of ERG responses, as previously described (Thompson et al., 2012). However, relative rates of rod and cone photoreceptor loss, as well as secondary alterations occurring in neuronal and non-neuronal retinal cell types of rd9 mutants remain to be assessed. Aim of this study is to extend phenotype analysis of the rd9 mouse retina focusing on changes occurring in cells directly interacting with photoreceptors. To this purpose, first we estimated rod and cone survival and its degree of intraretinal variation over time; then, we studied the morphology of horizontal and bipolar cells and of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), extending our observations to glial cell reactivity. We found that in rd9 retinas rod (but not cone) death is the main cause of decrease in ONL thickness and that degeneration shows a high degree of intraretinal variation. Rod loss drives remodeling in the outer retina, with sprouting of second-order neurons of the rod-pathway and relative sparing of cone pathway elements. Remarkably, despite cone survival, functional defects can be clearly detected in ERG recordings in both scotopic and photopic conditions. Moderate levels of Muller cells and microglial reactivity are sided by striking attenuation of staining for RPE tight junctions, suggesting altered integrity of the outer Blood Retina Barrier (BRB). Because of many features resembling slowly progressing photoreceptor degeneration paradigms or early stages of more aggressive forms of RP, the rd9 mouse model can be considered a rare and useful tool to investigate retinal changes associated to a process of photoreceptor death sustained throughout life and to reveal disease biomarkers (e.g., BRB alterations) of human XLRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Falasconi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.,Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Biagioni
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Enrica Strettoi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
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56
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Lukowski SW, Lo CY, Sharov AA, Nguyen Q, Fang L, Hung SSC, Zhu L, Zhang T, Grünert U, Nguyen T, Senabouth A, Jabbari JS, Welby E, Sowden JC, Waugh HS, Mackey A, Pollock G, Lamb TD, Wang P, Hewitt AW, Gillies MC, Powell JE, Wong RCB. A single-cell transcriptome atlas of the adult human retina. EMBO J 2019; 38:e100811. [PMID: 31436334 PMCID: PMC6745503 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is a specialized neural tissue that senses light and initiates image processing. Although the functional organization of specific retina cells has been well studied, the molecular profile of many cell types remains unclear in humans. To comprehensively profile the human retina, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 20,009 cells from three donors and compiled a reference transcriptome atlas. Using unsupervised clustering analysis, we identified 18 transcriptionally distinct cell populations representing all known neural retinal cells: rod photoreceptors, cone photoreceptors, Müller glia, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, retinal ganglion cells, horizontal cells, astrocytes, and microglia. Our data captured molecular profiles for healthy and putative early degenerating rod photoreceptors, and revealed the loss of MALAT1 expression with longer post-mortem time, which potentially suggested a novel role of MALAT1 in rod photoreceptor degeneration. We have demonstrated the use of this retina transcriptome atlas to benchmark pluripotent stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors and an adult Müller glia cell line. This work provides an important reference with unprecedented insights into the transcriptional landscape of human retinal cells, which is fundamental to understanding retinal biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Lukowski
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | | | - Alexei A Sharov
- National Institute for AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Quan Nguyen
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Lyujie Fang
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Sandy SC Hung
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- The University of SydneyFaculty of MedicineSave Sight InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Ting Zhang
- The University of SydneyFaculty of MedicineSave Sight InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Ulrike Grünert
- The University of SydneyFaculty of MedicineSave Sight InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Tu Nguyen
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Anne Senabouth
- Garvan‐Weizmann Centre for Cellular GenomicsGarvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | - Emily Welby
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine SectionNIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreUCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine SectionNIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreUCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Trevor D Lamb
- John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Peng‐Yuan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and BiotechnologySwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVic.Australia
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs DegenerationInstitute of Biomedicine and BiotechnologyShenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of ScienceShenzhenChina
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTas.Australia
| | - Mark C Gillies
- The University of SydneyFaculty of MedicineSave Sight InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Garvan‐Weizmann Centre for Cellular GenomicsGarvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyNSWAustralia
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Raymond CB Wong
- Centre for Eye Research AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- OphthalmologyDepartment of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Shenzhen Eye HospitalShenzhen University School of MedicineShenzhenChina
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57
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Rashid K, Akhtar-Schaefer I, Langmann T. Microglia in Retinal Degeneration. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1975. [PMID: 31481963 PMCID: PMC6710350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a complex tissue with multiple cell layers that are highly ordered. Its sophisticated structure makes it especially sensitive to external or internal perturbations that exceed the homeostatic range. This necessitates the continuous surveillance of the retina for the detection of noxious stimuli. This task is mainly performed by microglia cells, the resident tissue macrophages which confer neuroprotection against transient pathophysiological insults. However, under sustained pathological stimuli, microglial inflammatory responses become dysregulated, often worsening disease pathology. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies that depict microglial responses in diverse retinal pathologies that have degeneration and chronic immune reactions as key pathophysiological components. We also discuss innovative immunomodulatory therapy strategies that dampen the detrimental immunological responses to improve disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Rashid
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isha Akhtar-Schaefer
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Bahr HI, Abdelghany AA, Galhom RA, Barakat BM, Arafa ESA, Fawzy MS. Duloxetine protects against experimental diabetic retinopathy in mice through retinal GFAP downregulation and modulation of neurotrophic factors. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107742. [PMID: 31344388 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107742] [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: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is recognized as one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Searching and validation for a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent its progress are promising. This work aimed to assess the retinal protective effects of duloxetine (DLX) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice model. Animals were equally and randomly divided to four groups (eight mice per group); group 1: is the control group, 2: diabetic group, 3&4: diabetic and after 9 weeks received DLX for 4 weeks (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg), respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed nerve growth factor (NGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) genes upregulation in the diabetic group compared to controls. Also, increased retinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decline of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were observed. The morphometric analysis of diabetic retina revealed a significant reduction in total retinal thickness compared to control. Diabetic retinal immunostaining and Western blot analyses displayed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) proteins expression upregulation as well as glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) downregulation comparing to controls. However, DLX-treated groups showed downregulated NGF, iNOS, and TGF-β that was more obviously seen in the DLX-30 mg/kg group than DLX-15 mg/kg group. Furthermore, these groups showed amelioration of the oxidative markers; MDA and GSH, retaining the total retinal thickness nearly to control, GFAP and VEGF downregulation, and GLUT-1 upregulation compared to diabetic group. Taken together, it could be summarized that duloxetine can attenuate DR via the anti-inflammatory and the anti-oxidative properties as well as modulating the angiogenic and the neurotrophic factors expressions. This could hopefully pave the road to be included in the novel list of the therapeutic regimen for DR after validation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda I Bahr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A Abdelghany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Rania A Galhom
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Bassant M Barakat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - El-Shaimaa A Arafa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
| | - Manal S Fawzy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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59
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Balachandra A, Chan EC, Paul JP, Ng S, Chrysostomou V, Ngo S, Mayadunne R, van Wijngaarden P. A biocompatible reverse thermoresponsive polymer for ocular drug delivery. Drug Deliv 2019; 26:343-353. [PMID: 30905169 PMCID: PMC6442223 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2019.1587042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, the treatment of which may require monthly intravitreal injections. This is a burden on patients and health services, and new delivery modalities that reduce injection frequency are required. To that end, we investigated the suitability of a novel reverse thermoresponsive polymer (RTP) as an ocular drug-delivery vehicle. In this work, we detail the structure and synthesis of a novel RTP, and determine drug release curves for two drugs commonly used in the treatment of AMD, bevacizumab and aflibercept. Biocompatibility of the RTP was assessed in vitro in human and rat cell lines and in vivo following intravitreal injection in rats. Bevacizumab demonstrated a more appropriate release profile than aflibercept, with 67% released within 14 days and 78% released in total over a 183-day period. No toxic effects of RTP were seen in human or rat cells in up to 14 days of co-culture with RTP. Following intravitreal injection, intraocular pressure was unaffected by the presence of RTP and no changes in retinal function or structure were observed at 1 week or 1 month post-injection. RTP injection did not cause inflammation, gliosis or apoptosis in the retina. This work demonstrates the potential suitability of the novel RTP as a sustained-release vehicle for ocular drug delivery for anti-neovascular therapies. Optimization of polymer chemistry for optimal drug loading and release is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elsa C Chan
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,c Ophthalmology , Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Joseph P Paul
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,c Ophthalmology , Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Sze Ng
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,c Ophthalmology , Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Vicki Chrysostomou
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,c Ophthalmology , Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Steven Ngo
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roshan Mayadunne
- a CSIRO Molecular Science & Health Technologies , Victoria , Australia.,b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- b Centre for Eye Research Australia , Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,c Ophthalmology , Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
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60
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Backstrom JR, Sheng J, Fischer RA, Sappington RM, Rex TS. Phenotypes of primary retinal macroglia: Implications for purification and culture conditions. Exp Eye Res 2019; 182:85-92. [PMID: 30902621 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerations, including those of the visual system, have complex etiologies that include roles for both neurons and glia. In the retina there is evidence that retinal astrocytes play an important role in neurodegeneration. There are several approaches for isolating and growing primary retinal astrocytes, however, they often lead to different results. In this study, we examined the influence of culture conditions on phenotypic maturation of primary, purified retinal glia. We compared retinal astrocytes and Müller glia purified by immunomagnetic separation, as differentiation between these astrocyte subtypes is critical and immuno-based methods are the standard practice of purification. We found that while time in culture impacts the health and phenotype of both astrocytes and Müller glia, the phenotypic maturation of retinal astrocytes was most impacted by serum factors. These factors appeared to actively regulate intermediate filament phenotypes in a manner consistent with the induction of astrocyte-mesenchymal transition (AMT). This propensity for retinal astrocytes to shift along an AMT continuum should be considered when interpreting resulting data. Our goal is that this study will help standardize the field so that studies are replicable, comparable, and as accurate as possible for subsequent interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon R Backstrom
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Jinsong Sheng
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Rachel A Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Rebecca M Sappington
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Tonia S Rex
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Andrzejewski S, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Retinal explant culture: A platform to investigate human neuro-retina. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 47:274-285. [PMID: 30378239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The retina is the tissue responsible for light detection, in which retinal neurons convert light energy into electrical signals to be transported towards the visual cortex. Damage of retinal neurons leads to neuronal cell death and retinal pathologies, compromising visual acuity and eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Models of retinal neurodegeneration include 2D systems like cell lines, disassociated cultures and co-cultures, and 3D models like organoids, organotypic retinal cultures and animal models. Of these, ex vivo human retinal cultures are arguably the most suitable models for translational research as they retain complex inter-cellular interactions of the retina and precisely mimic in-situ responses. In this review, we summarize the distinguishing features of the human retina which are important to preserve in experimental culture, the historical development of human retinal culture systems, the factors affecting ex vivo human retinal culture and the applications and challenges associated with current methods of human retinal explant culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Zhang S, Zhang S, Gong W, Zhu G, Wang S, Wang Y, Halim M, Wang K, Zhou G, Liu Q. Müller Cell Regulated Microglial Activation and Migration in Rats With N-Methyl- N-Nitrosourea-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:890. [PMID: 30559643 PMCID: PMC6287671 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the roles of retinal microglial cells after activation have not been fully elucidated. Herein, experimental RP was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) at 50 mg/kg, and the effects of MNU on the retinas were evaluated, respectively, by retinal histology and electroretinography recordings at serial time points. Time-dependent and gradual loss of photoreceptor cells, disrupted arrangement of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), and significant reductions in both a-wave and b-wave amplitudes were observed. Morphology changes were observed in retinal microglial cells; meanwhile, with time, the number of Iba1-positive microglia and their infiltration into the ONL gradually increased. Furthermore, physical interaction of microglial-Müller cell processes following microglial activation was observed after MNU injection. In addition, Müller cells increased CX3CL1 secretion, enhanced microglial cell migration, and upregulated the CX3CR1 expression of the latter. Our observations implied that, during the pathogenesis of RP by MNU, microglial cells exhibit a prominent morphology change and Müller cells can induce activated microglia infiltration by increasing secretion of the chemotaxis factor, CX3CL1, and promoting the migration of retinal microglial cells. This novel finding highlights a potential therapeutic target aimed at regulating the microglial response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Gong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guopei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Songtao Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalin Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Halim
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaidi Wang
- Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guomin Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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Perdices L, Fuentes-Broto L, Segura F, Ben Gdara N, Sánchez-Cano AI, Insa G, Orduna E, Pinilla I. Hepatic oxidative stress in pigmented P23H rhodopsin transgenic rats with progressive retinal degeneration. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 124:550-557. [PMID: 30006118 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal degenerative conditions characterized by primary degeneration of the rod photoreceptors. Increased oxidative damage is observed in the retina, aqueous humor, and plasma of RP animal models and patients. The hepatic oxidative status may also be affected in RP due to oxidative damage influencing soluble macromolecules exiting the retina or to alterations in the melanopsin system resulting in chronic circadian desynchronization that negatively alters the oxidative stress defense system. P23H rats were crossed with pigmented Long Evans rats to produce offspring exhibiting the clinical conditions of RP. We measured hepatic malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal concentrations as oxidative stress markers; nitrite level as a total nitrosative damage marker; total antioxidant capacity; and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase. Retinal visual function was assessed based on optomotor and electroretinogram responses. P23H transgenic rats exhibited diminished visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and electroretinographic responses according to the level of retinal degeneration. P23H rats at 30 days of age already demonstrated only 47% of the hepatic total antioxidant capacity of wild-type animals. Hepatic catalase and SOD activities were also reduced in P23H rats after 120 days, but we detected no difference in glutathione S-transferase activity. P23H rats had increased hepatic oxidative and nitrosative damage markers. GSH/GSSG ratio showed a significant diminution in P23H rats at P120 compared to WT. We conclude that the liver is under increased oxidative stress in P23H rats. Further studies are required, however, to clarify the contribution of systemic oxidative damage to the pathogenesis of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Perdices
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Lorena Fuentes-Broto
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Francisco Segura
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Neyla Ben Gdara
- Department of Biology, University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University campus El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Ana Isabel Sánchez-Cano
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Applied Physics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Gema Insa
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Applied Physics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Elvira Orduna
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Applied Physics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa Clinical University Hospital, Avenida San Juan Bosco 15, E-50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Takagi S, Hirami Y, Takahashi M, Fujihara M, Mandai M, Miyakoshi C, Tomita G, Kurimoto Y. Optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with retinitis pigmentosa who have normal visual acuity. Acta Ophthalmol 2018; 96:e636-e642. [PMID: 29498230 PMCID: PMC6175316 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate flow area changes measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA; RTVue XR Avanti® ) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with preserved visual acuity (VA). METHODS This was an age- and refraction-matched case-control study. Consecutive patients with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥20/20 and normal subjects were recruited. Fifty eyes (32 patients) and 22 eyes (12 controls) were included. The flow area and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured in both superficial and deep layers within a 3 × 3 mm central area of the fovea. Association between OCTA parameters and the length of the inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) and external limiting membrane (ELM), the area without abnormal fluorescence in fundus autofluorescence (normal FAF area ratio) and the area of I-2e of the Goldmann perimeter were analysed using mixed-effects regression analysis. RESULTS Foveal avascular zones were significantly smaller in patients with RP than in controls in superficial (p = 0.004) but not in deep layers (p = 0.25). The flow area in superficial (p = 0.007) and deep layers (p = 0.004) was significantly smaller in patients with RP than in controls. In patients with RP, flow areas in the superficial layers, but not in the deep layers, were significantly associated with the lengths of ISe (p = 0.001) and ELM (p = 0.002) and the I-2e area (p = 0.036), but not with the normal FAF area ratio (p = 0.399). CONCLUSION Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)-measured flow area in superficial layers gradually reduced with RP progression and may be a useful parameter of RP pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Takagi
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- Department of Translational Research, Division of Ophthalmology; Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; Kobe Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology; Toho University Ohashi Medical Center; Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Hirami
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- Department of Translational Research, Division of Ophthalmology; Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; Kobe Japan
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; Kobe Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- Department of Translational Research, Division of Ophthalmology; Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; Kobe Japan
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; Kobe Japan
| | - Masashi Fujihara
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- Department of Translational Research, Division of Ophthalmology; Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; Kobe Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; Kobe Japan
| | - Chisato Miyakoshi
- Department of Pediatrics; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
| | - Goji Tomita
- Department of Ophthalmology; Toho University Ohashi Medical Center; Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasuo Kurimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology; Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; Kobe Japan
- Department of Translational Research, Division of Ophthalmology; Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation; Kobe Japan
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; Kobe Japan
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Anders F, Mann C, Liu A, Teister J, Funke S, Thanos S, Grus F, Pfeiffer N, Prokosch V. Correlation of Crystallin Expression and RGC Susceptibility in Experimental Glaucoma Rats of Different Ages. Curr Eye Res 2018; 43:1267-1273. [PMID: 29979889 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1485950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide with age being an important risk factor. However, the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Aim of this study was to focus on age-dependent molecular changes in an experimental animal model of glaucoma. METHODS Intraocular pressure was elevated in Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3, 14, and 47 weeks for a period of 7 weeks by episcleral vein cauterization. Ganglion cell loss was monitored by an immunohistochemical staining of the Brain-specific homeobox/POU (Pit-1, Oct-2, Unc-86) domain protein 3A positive cells in retinal flat-mounts and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography measuring the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Molecular protein alterations were analyzed using a comprehensive mass spectrometric proteomics approach of the retina and vitreous body. RESULTS While juvenile animals did not show a significant loss of retinal ganglion cells due to intraocular pressure elevation, adolescent animals showed a decrease up to 26% (p < 0.05). A shift of retinal crystallin protein expression levels within all protein-family subclasses (α, β, γ) could be observed in the youngest animal group (p < 0.05), while the upregulation of crystallin proteins in older animals was less striking. In addition, numerous crystallin proteins were also detected in the vitreous body. CONCLUSION These results provide insights of a potential correlation of age-related glaucomatous damage and the absence of crystallin proteins in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Anders
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Carolina Mann
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Aiwei Liu
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Julia Teister
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Sebastian Funke
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Solon Thanos
- b Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, School of Medicine , University of Münster , Münster , Germany
| | - Franz Grus
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - Verena Prokosch
- a Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology , University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz , Mainz , Germany
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Fernández-Sánchez L, Esquiva G, Pinilla I, Lax P, Cuenca N. Retinal Vascular Degeneration in the Transgenic P23H Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:55. [PMID: 30008665 PMCID: PMC6034000 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases involving a progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Following the loss of photoreceptors, retinal vascularization tends to decrease, which seems to play a role in the degenerative process of retinal cells. This study reports changes in retinal vascular network architecture in the P23H rat model of RP at different stages of retinal degeneration. Homozygous P23H line-3 rats of ages ranging from 18 days to 16 months were used in this study. Age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as control animals. Vertical sections and wholemount retinas were immunolabeled for type IV collagen or stained using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry, and retinal vascular networks were drawn using a camera lucida. The superficial and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were fully developed at P18 in P23H rat retinas and showed no differences from the control animals. In 4-month-old P23H rat retinas, the superficial and intermediate capillary plexus were similar to those observed in age-matched SD rats, but a reduction in the DCP could be observed in these animals, with a significant decrease in both capillary density and capillary loops. At 16 months, the DCP was completely lost, and only vessels exhibiting an abnormal, tortuous dead-end could be observed. The middle capillary plexus had virtually disappeared at this age. Only perpendicular vessels connecting the superficial and DCP were found. The superficial plexus showed no changes in the vascular surface with age. In RP, photoreceptor loss is accompanied by degenerative changes in the retinal vascular network. The disruption of the capillary plexus, with loss of capillary density and capillary loops, can hamper the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to retinal cells, thus accelerating retinal degeneration. Therefore, changes in retinal vascularization must be taken into account in the design of therapies targeting retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Institute Ramón Margalef, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Koh S, Chen WJ, Dejneka NS, Harris IR, Lu B, Girman S, Saylor J, Wang S, Eroglu C. Subretinal Human Umbilical Tissue-Derived Cell Transplantation Preserves Retinal Synaptic Connectivity and Attenuates Müller Glial Reactivity. J Neurosci 2018; 38:2923-2943. [PMID: 29431645 PMCID: PMC5864147 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1532-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human umbilical tissue-derived cells (hUTC or palucorcel) are currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of geographic atrophy, a late stage of macular degeneration, but how hUTC transplantation mediates vision recovery is not fully elucidated. Subretinal administration of hUTC preserves visual function in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat, a genetic model of retinal degeneration caused by Mertk loss of function. hUTC secrete synaptogenic and neurotrophic factors that improve the health and connectivity of the neural retina. Therefore, we investigated the progression of synapse and photoreceptor loss and whether hUTC treatment preserves photoreceptors and synaptic connectivity in the RCS rats of both sexes. We found that RCS retinas display significant deficits in synaptic development already by postnatal day 21 (P21), before the onset of photoreceptor degeneration. Subretinal transplantation of hUTC at P21 is necessary to rescue visual function in RCS rats, and the therapeutic effect is enhanced with repeated injections. Synaptic development defects occurred concurrently with morphological changes in Müller glia, the major perisynaptic glia in the retina. hUTC transplantation strongly diminished Müller glia reactivity and specifically protected the α2δ-1-containing retinal synapses, which are responsive to thrombospondin family synaptogenic proteins secreted by Müller glia. Müller glial reactivity and reduced synaptogenesis observed in RCS retinas could be recapitulated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss-of-Mertk in Müller glia in wild-type rats. Together, our results show that hUTC transplantation supports the health of retina at least in part by preserving the functions of Müller glial cells, revealing a previously unknown aspect of hUTC transplantation-based therapy.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite the promising effects observed in clinical trials and preclinical studies, how subretinal human umbilical tissue-derived cell (hUTC) transplantation mediates vision improvements is not fully known. Using a rat model of retinal degeneration, the RCS rat (lacking Mertk), here we provide evidence that hUTC transplantation protects visual function and health by protecting photoreceptors and preserving retinal synaptic connectivity. Furthermore, we find that loss of Mertk function only in Müller glia is sufficient to impair synaptic development and cause activation of Müller glia. hUTC transplantation strongly attenuates the reactivity of Müller glia in RCS rats. These findings highlight novel cellular and molecular mechanisms within the neural retina, which underlie disease mechanisms and pinpoint Müller glia as a novel cellular target for hUTC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehwon Koh
- Department of Cell Biology
- Regeneration Next, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, and
| | - William J Chen
- Department of Cell Biology
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
| | - Nadine S Dejneka
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477
| | - Ian R Harris
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Sergey Girman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Joshua Saylor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology,
- Department of Neurobiology
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
- Regeneration Next, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, and
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LaVail MM, Nishikawa S, Steinberg RH, Naash MI, Duncan JL, Trautmann N, Matthes MT, Yasumura D, Lau-Villacorta C, Chen J, Peterson WM, Yang H, Flannery JG. Phenotypic characterization of P23H and S334ter rhodopsin transgenic rat models of inherited retinal degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2018; 167:56-90. [PMID: 29122605 PMCID: PMC5811379 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We produced 8 lines of transgenic (Tg) rats expressing one of two different rhodopsin mutations in albino Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Three lines were generated with a proline to histidine substitution at codon 23 (P23H), the most common autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa in the United States. Five lines were generated with a termination codon at position 334 (S334ter), resulting in a C-terminal truncated opsin protein lacking the last 15 amino acid residues and containing all of the phosphorylation sites involved in rhodopsin deactivation, as well as the terminal QVAPA residues important for rhodopsin deactivation and trafficking. The rates of photoreceptor (PR) degeneration in these models vary in proportion to the ratio of mutant to wild-type rhodopsin. The models have been widely studied, but many aspects of their phenotypes have not been described. Here we present a comprehensive study of the 8 Tg lines, including the time course of PR degeneration from the onset to one year of age, retinal structure by light and electron microscopy (EM), hemispheric asymmetry and gradients of rod and cone degeneration, rhodopsin content, gene dosage effect, rapid activation and invasion of the outer retina by presumptive microglia, rod outer segment disc shedding and phagocytosis by the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and retinal function by the electroretinogram (ERG). The biphasic nature of PR cell death was noted, as was the lack of an injury-induced protective response in the rat models. EM analysis revealed the accumulation of submicron vesicular structures in the interphotoreceptor space during the peak period of PR outer segment degeneration in the S334ter lines. This is likely due to the elimination of the trafficking consensus domain as seen before as with other rhodopsin mutants lacking the C-terminal QVAPA. The 8 rhodopsin Tg lines have been, and will continue to be, extremely useful models for the experimental study of inherited retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M LaVail
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Shimpei Nishikawa
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Roy H Steinberg
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd., Room 2011, Houston, TX 77204-5060, USA.
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Nikolaus Trautmann
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Michael T Matthes
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Douglas Yasumura
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Cathy Lau-Villacorta
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Jeannie Chen
- Zilka Neurogenetic Institute, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2821, USA.
| | - Ward M Peterson
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Haidong Yang
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - John G Flannery
- School of Optometry, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-2020, USA.
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Green tea extract attenuates LPS-induced retinal inflammation in rats. Sci Rep 2018; 8:429. [PMID: 29323215 PMCID: PMC5765135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is in a wide spectrum of retinal diseases, causing irreversible blindness and visual impairment. We have previously demonstrated that Green Tea Extract (GTE) is a potent anti-inflammatory agent for anterior uveitis. Here we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of GTE on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced retinal inflammation in rats and explored the underlying mechanism. Adult rats were injected with LPS and GTE was administered intra-gastrically at 2, 8, 26 and 32 hours post-injection. Staining of whole-mount retina showed that the number of activated microglia cells was significantly increased at 48 hours post-injection, which was suppressed after GTE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of astrocytes and Müller glia in the retina was also suppressed after GTE treatment. Meanwhile, GTE reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in retina and vitreous humor. These anti-inflammatory effects were associated with a reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF-κB in the retina. Furthermore, the surface receptor of EGCG, 67LR, was localized on the neurons and glia in the retina. These findings demonstrate that GTE is an effective agent in suppressing LPS-induced retinal inflammation, probably through its potent anti-oxidative property and a receptor-mediated action on transcription factors that regulate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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70
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Roche SL, Ruiz-Lopez AM, Moloney JN, Byrne AM, Cotter TG. Microglial-induced Müller cell gliosis is attenuated by progesterone in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Glia 2017; 66:295-310. [PMID: 29034506 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Norgestrel, a progesterone analogue, has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Neuroprotection is achieved in part through Norgestrels anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating detrimental microglial activity. Gliosis is a feature of many neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, including retinitis pigmentosa. Müller glia, a type of macroglia found in the retina, are major contributors of gliosis, characterized by the upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Microglia-Müller glia crosstalk has been implicated in the initiation of gliosis. In the rd10 retina, increased microglial activity and gliotic events are observed prior to the onset of photoreceptor loss. We hypothesized that Norgestrels dampening effects on harmful microglial activity would consequently impact on gliosis. In the current study, we explore the role of microglia-Müller glia crosstalk in degeneration and Norgestrel-mediated neuroprotection in the rd10 retina. Norgestrels neuroprotective effects in the rd10 retina coincide with significant decreases in both microglial activity and Müller cell gliosis. Using a Müller glial cell line, rMC-1, and isolated microglia, we show that rd10 microglia stimulate GFAP production in rMC-1 cells. Norgestrel attenuates gliosis through direct actions on both microglia and Müller glia. Norgestrel reduces the release of harmful stimuli from microglia, such as interferon-γ, which might otherwise signal to Müller glia and stimulate gliosis. We propose that Norgestrel also targets Müller cell gliosis directly, by limiting the availability of pSTAT3, a known transcription factor for GFAP. These findings highlight an important aspect to Norgestrels neuroprotective effects in the diseased retina, in combating Müller cell gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Roche
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana M Ruiz-Lopez
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer N Moloney
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ashleigh M Byrne
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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71
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Szabó K, Énzsöly A, Dékány B, Szabó A, Hajdú RI, Radovits T, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Laurik LK, Somfai GM, Merkely B, Szél Á, Lukáts Á. Histological Evaluation of Diabetic Neurodegeneration in the Retina of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) Rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8891. [PMID: 28827737 PMCID: PMC5566374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In diabetes, retinal dysfunctions exist prior to clinically detectable vasculopathy, however the pathology behind these functional deficits is still not fully established. Previously, our group published a detailed study on the retinal histopathology of type 1 diabetic (T1D) rat model, where specific alterations were detected. Although the majority of human diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes (T2D), similar studies on T2D models are practically absent. To fill this gap, we examined Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats - a model for T2D - by immunohistochemistry at the age of 32 weeks. Glial reactivity was observed in all diabetic specimens, accompanied by an increase in the number of microglia cells. Prominent outer segment degeneration was detectable with changes in cone opsin expression pattern, without a decrease in the number of labelled elements. The immunoreactivity of AII amacrine cells was markedly decreased and changes were detectable in the number and staining of some other amacrine cell subtypes, while most other cells examined did not show any major alterations. Overall, the retinal histology of ZDF rats shows a surprising similarity to T1D rats indicating that despite the different evolution of the disease, the neuroretinal cells affected are the same in both subtypes of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Anna Énzsöly
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Bulcsú Dékány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Arnold Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Rozina I Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Lenke K Laurik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Gábor M Somfai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Szél
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary.
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Baumann B, Sterling J, Song Y, Song D, Fruttiger M, Gillies M, Shen W, Dunaief JL. Conditional Müller Cell Ablation Leads to Retinal Iron Accumulation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:4223-4234. [PMID: 28846772 PMCID: PMC5574447 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal iron accumulation is observed in a wide range of retinal degenerative diseases, including AMD. Previous work suggests that Müller glial cells may be important mediators of retinal iron transport, distribution, and regulation. A transgenic model of Müller cell loss recently demonstrated that primary Müller cell ablation leads to blood-retinal barrier leakage and photoreceptor degeneration, and it recapitulates clinical features observed in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2), a rare human disease that features Müller cell loss. We used this mouse model to determine the effect of Müller cell loss on retinal iron homeostasis. Methods Changes in total retinal iron levels after Müller cell ablation were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Corresponding changes in the expression of iron flux and iron storage proteins were determined using quantitative PCR, Western analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Results Müller cell loss led to blood-retinal barrier breakdown and increased iron levels throughout the neurosensory retina. There were corresponding changes in mRNA and/or protein levels of ferritin, transferrin receptor, ferroportin, Zip8, and Zip14. There were also increased iron levels within the RPE of retinal sections from a patient with MacTel2 and both RPE and neurosensory retina of a patient with diabetic retinopathy, which, like MacTel2, causes retinal vascular leakage. Conclusion This study shows that Müller cells and the blood-retinal barrier play pivotal roles in the regulation of retinal iron homeostasis. The retinal iron accumulation resulting from blood-retinal barrier dysfunction may contribute to retinal degeneration in this model and in diseases such as MacTel2 and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Baumann
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jacob Sterling
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ying Song
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Delu Song
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Weiyong Shen
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua L. Dunaief
- F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Sudharsan R, Simone KM, Anderson NP, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Acute and Protracted Cell Death in Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration in the Canine Model of Rhodopsin Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:270-281. [PMID: 28114588 PMCID: PMC5464465 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize a light damage paradigm and establish structural and immunocytochemical measures of acute and protracted light-induced retinal degeneration in the rhodopsin (RHO) T4R dog model of RHO-autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). Methods Retinal light damage was induced in mutant dogs with a 1-minute exposure to various light intensities (0.1-1.0 mW/cm2) delivered with a Ganzfeld stimulator, or by fundus photography. Photoreceptor cell death was assessed by TUNEL assay, and alterations in retinal layers were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry 24 hours and 2 weeks after light exposure. Detailed topographic maps were made to document changes in the outer retinal layers of all four retinal quadrants 2 weeks post exposure. Results Twenty-four hours post light exposure, the severity of photoreceptor cell death was dose dependent. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed disruption of rod outer segments, focal loss of the RPE integrity, and an increase in expression of endothelin receptor B in Müller cells with the two highest doses of light and fundus photography. Two weeks after light exposure, persistence of photoreceptor death, thinning of the outer nuclear layer, and induction of Müller cell gliosis occurred with the highest doses of light. Conclusions We have characterized outcome measures of acute and continuing retinal degeneration in the RHO T4R dog following light exposure. These will be used to assess the molecular mechanisms of light-induced damage and rescue strategies in this large animal model of RHO-ADRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavi Sudharsan
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kristina M Simone
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nathan P Anderson
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Mishra A, Das B, Nath M, Iyer S, Kesarwani A, Bhattacharjee J, Arindkar S, Sahay P, Jain K, Sahu P, Sinha P, Velpandian T, Nagarajan P, Upadhyay P. A novel immunodeficient NOD.SCID -rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa to investigate potential therapeutics and pathogenesis of retinal degeneration. Biol Open 2017; 6:449-462. [PMID: 28258056 PMCID: PMC5399550 DOI: 10.1242/bio.021618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a common retinal degeneration disease caused by mutation in any gene of the photo transduction cascade and results in photoreceptor dystrophy. Over decades, several animal models have been used to address the need for the elucidation of effective therapeutics and factors regulating retinal degeneration to prohibit or renew the damaged retina. However, controversies over the immune privilege of retina during cell transplantation and the role of immune modulation during RP still remain largely uninvestigated because of the lack of suitable animal models. Here, we have developed an immunocompromised mouse model, NOD.SCID-rd1, for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by crossing CBA/J and NOD SCID mice and selecting homozygous double mutant animals for further breeding. Characterization of the newly developed RP model indicates a similar retinal degeneration pattern as CBA/J, with a decreased apoptosis rate and rhodopsin loss. It also exhibits loss of T cells, B cells and NK cells. The NOD.SCID-rd1 model is extremely useful for allogenic and xenogenic cell-based therapeutics, as indicated by the higher cell integration capacity post transplantation. We dissect the underlying role of the immune system in the progression of RP and the effect of immune deficiency on immune privilege of the eye using comparative qPCR studies of this model and the immune-competent RP model. Summary: NOD.SCID-rd1 is an immune compromised mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to investigate cell-based therapeutics for retinal rescue during RP and to study immunological aspects of its pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaknanda Mishra
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Barun Das
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Madhu Nath
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Srikanth Iyer
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashwani Kesarwani
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Jashdeep Bhattacharjee
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shailendra Arindkar
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Preeti Sahay
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kshama Jain
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Parul Sahu
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Prakriti Sinha
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Thirumurthy Velpandian
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Perumal Nagarajan
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pramod Upadhyay
- Product Development Cell-1, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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Dharmarajan S, Fisk DL, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N, Belecky-Adams TL. Microglia activation is essential for BMP7-mediated retinal reactive gliosis. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:76. [PMID: 28381236 PMCID: PMC5382432 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous studies have shown that BMP7 is able to trigger activation of retinal macroglia. However, these studies showed the responsiveness of Müller glial cells and retinal astrocytes in vitro was attenuated in comparison to those in vivo, indicating other retinal cell types may be mediating the response of the macroglial cells to BMP7. In this study, we test the hypothesis that BMP7-mediated gliosis is the result of inflammatory signaling from retinal microglia. Methods Adult mice were injected intravitreally with BMP7 and eyes harvested 1, 3, or 7 days postinjection. Some mice were treated with PLX5622 (PLX) to ablate microglia and were subsequently injected with control or BMP7. Processed tissue was analyzed via immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, or ELISA. In addition, cultures of retinal microglia were treated with vehicle, lipopolysaccharide, or BMP7 to determine the effects of BMP7-isolated cells. Results Mice injected with BMP7 showed regulation of various inflammatory markers at the RNA level, as well as changes in microglial morphology. Isolated retinal microglia also showed an upregulation of BMP-signaling components following treatment. In vitro treatment of retinal astrocytes with conditioned media from activated microglia upregulated RNA levels of gliosis markers. In the absence of microglia, the mouse retina showed a subdued gliosis and inflammatory response when exposed to BMP7. Conclusions Gliosis resulting from BMP7 is mediated through an inflammatory response from retinal microglia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0855-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Dharmarajan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Debra L Fisk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 9453 WIMR, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 9453 WIMR, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 9453 WIMR, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Teri L Belecky-Adams
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Col4a1 mutation generates vascular abnormalities correlated with neuronal damage in a mouse model of HANAC syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 100:52-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Di Pierdomenico J, García-Ayuso D, Pinilla I, Cuenca N, Vidal-Sanz M, Agudo-Barriuso M, Villegas-Pérez MP. Early Events in Retinal Degeneration Caused by Rhodopsin Mutation or Pigment Epithelium Malfunction: Differences and Similarities. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:14. [PMID: 28321183 PMCID: PMC5337514 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To study the course of photoreceptor cell death and macro and microglial reactivity in two rat models of retinal degeneration with different etiologies. Retinas from P23H-1 (rhodopsin mutation) and Royal College of Surgeon (RCS, pigment epithelium malfunction) rats and age-matched control animals (Sprague-Dawley and Pievald Viro Glaxo, respectively) were cross-sectioned at different postnatal ages (from P10 to P60) and rhodopsin, L/M- and S-opsin, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins were immunodetected. Photoreceptor nuclei rows and microglial cells in the different retinal layers were quantified. Photoreceptor degeneration starts earlier and progresses quicker in P23H-1 than in RCS rats. In both models, microglial cell activation occurs simultaneously with the initiation of photoreceptor death while GFAP over-expression starts later. As degeneration progresses, the numbers of microglial cells increase in the retina, but decreasing in the inner retina and increasing in the outer retina, more markedly in RCS rats. Interestingly, and in contrast with healthy animals, microglial cells reach the outer nuclei and outer segment layers. The higher number of microglial cells in dystrophic retinas cannot be fully accounted by intraretinal migration and PCNA immunodetection revealed microglial proliferation in both models but more importantly in RCS rats. The etiology of retinal degeneration determines the initiation and pattern of photoreceptor cell death and simultaneously there is microglial activation and migration, while the macroglial response is delayed. The actions of microglial cells in the degeneration cannot be explained only in the basis of photoreceptor death because they participate more actively in the RCS model. Thus, the retinal degeneration caused by pigment epithelium malfunction is more inflammatory and would probably respond better to interventions by inhibiting microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Aragon Health Sciences Institute, Lozano Blesa University Hospital Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca 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 Murcia, Spain
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Qiu AW, Liu QH, Wang JL. Blocking IL-17A Alleviates Diabetic Retinopathy in Rodents. Cell Physiol Biochem 2017; 41:960-972. [PMID: 28222445 DOI: 10.1159/000460514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Interleukin (IL)-17A, a proinflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases. However, it is unclear whether IL-17A is involved in diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most serious complications of autoimmune diabetes. This study aimed to demonstrate that IL-17A exacerbates DR by affecting retinal Müller cell function. METHODS High glucose (HG)-treated rat Müller cell line (rMC-1) was exposed to IL-17A, anti-IL-17A-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) or/and anti-IL-17 receptor (R)A-neutralizing mAb for 24 h. For in vivo study, DR was induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ). DR model mice were treated with anti-IL-17A mAb or anti-IL-17RA mAb in the vitreous cavity. Mice that were prepared for retinal angiography were sacrificed two weeks after intravitreal injection, while the rest were sacrificed two days after intravitreal injection. RESULTS IL-17A production and IL-17RA expression were increased in both HG-treated rMC-1 and DR retina. HG induced rMC-1 activation and dysfunction, as determined by the increased GFAP, VEGF and glutamate levels as well as the downregulated GS and EAAT1 expression. IL-17A exacerbated the HG-induced rMC-1 functional disorders, whereas either anti-IL-17A mAb or anti-IL-17RA mAb alleviated the HG-induced rMC-1 disorders. Intravitreal injections with anti-IL-17A mAb or anti-IL-17RA mAb in DR model mice reduced Müller cell dysfunction, vascular leukostasis, vascular leakage, tight junction protein downregulation and ganglion cell apoptosis in the retina. CONCLUSIONS IL-17A aggravates DR-like pathology at least partly by impairing retinal Müller cell function. Blocking IL-17A is a potential therapeutic strategy for DR.
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79
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Telegina DV, Kozhevnikova OS, Bayborodin SI, Kolosova NG. Contributions of age-related alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium and of glia to the AMD-like pathology in OXYS rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41533. [PMID: 28134357 PMCID: PMC5278403 DOI: 10.1038/srep41533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in developed countries, and the molecular pathogenesis of early events of AMD is poorly understood. It is known that age-related alterations of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and of glial reactivity are early hallmarks of AMD. Here we evaluated contributions of the age-related alterations of the RPE and of glia to the development of AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats. We showed that destructive alterations in RPE cells are a primary change during the development of retinopathy in OXYS rats. Furthermore, a defect of retinal maturation and decreased immune function at the preclinical stage of retinopathy were observed in OXYS rats in addition to the impairment of RPE cell proliferation and of their capacity for division. At the active stage of the disease, the atrophic alterations increased, and reactive gliosis was observed when disease progressed, but immune function stayed weakened. Unexpectedly, we did not observe migration of microglia and macrophages into the photoreceptor layer. These results and the wide spectrum of age-related retinal alterations in humans as well as individual differences in the risk of AMD may be attributed to genetic factors and to differences in the underlying molecular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya V Telegina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | | | | | - Nataliya G Kolosova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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IL-17A exacerbates diabetic retinopathy by impairing Müller cell function via Act1 signaling. Exp Mol Med 2016; 48:e280. [PMID: 27980343 PMCID: PMC5192073 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2016.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most serious complications of diabetes, has been associated with inflammatory processes. We have recently reported that interleukin (IL)-17A, a proinflammatory cytokine, is increased in the plasma of diabetic patients. Further investigation is required to clarify the role of IL-17A in DR. Ins2Akita (Akita) diabetic mice and high-glucose (HG)-treated primary Müller cells were used to mimic DR-like pathology. Diabetes induced retinal expression of IL-17A and IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) in Müller cells in contrast to ganglion cells. Further evidence demonstrated that retinal Müller cells cultured in vitro increased IL-17A and IL-17RA expression as well as IL-17A secretion in the HG condition. In both the HG-treated Müller cells and Akita mouse retina, the Act1/TRAF6/IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. IL-17A further enhanced inflammatory signaling activation, whereas Act1 knockdown or IKK inhibition blocked the downstream signaling activation by IL-17A. HG- and diabetes-induced Müller cell activation and dysfunction, as determined by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein, vascular endothelial growth factor and glutamate levels and decreased glutamine synthetase and excitatory amino acid transporter-1 expression, were exacerbated by IL-17A; however, they were alleviated by Act1 knockdown or IKK inhibition. In addition, IL-17A intravitreal injection aggravated diabetes-induced retinal vascular leukostasis, vascular leakage and ganglion cell apoptosis, whereas Act1 silencing or anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody ameliorated the retinal vascular damage and neuronal cell apoptosis. These findings establish that IL-17A exacerbates DR-like pathology by the promotion of Müller cell functional impairment via Act1 signaling.
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Rex TS, Kasmala L, Bond WS, de Lucas Cerrillo AM, Wynn K, Lewin AS. Erythropoietin Slows Photoreceptor Cell Death in a Mouse Model of Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157411. [PMID: 27299810 PMCID: PMC4907422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the efficacy of systemic gene delivery of a mutant form of erythropoietin (EPO-R76E) that has attenuated erythropoietic activity, in a mouse model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS Ten-day old mice carrying one copy of human rhodopsin with the P23H mutation and both copies of wild-type mouse rhodopsin (hP23H RHO+/-,mRHO+/+) were injected into the quadriceps with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) carrying either enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or EpoR76E. Visual function (electroretinogram) and retina structure (optical coherence tomography, histology, and immunohistochemistry) were assessed at 7 and 12 months of age. RESULTS The outer nuclear layer thickness decreased over time at a slower rate in rAAV.EpoR76E treated as compared to the rAAV.eGFP injected mice. There was a statistically significant preservation of the electroretinogram at 7, but not 12 months of age. CONCLUSIONS Systemic EPO-R76E slows death of the photoreceptors and vision loss in hP23H RHO+/-,mRHO+/+ mice. Treatment with EPO-R76E may widen the therapeutic window for retinal degeneration patients by increasing the number of viable cells. Future studies might investigate if co-treatment with EPO-R76E and gene replacement therapy is more effective than gene replacement therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonia S. Rex
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States of America
| | - Lorraine Kasmala
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States of America
| | - Wesley S. Bond
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States of America
| | - Ana M. de Lucas Cerrillo
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States of America
| | - Kristi Wynn
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States of America
| | - Alfred S. Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States of America
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Luna G, Keeley PW, Reese BE, Linberg KA, Lewis GP, Fisher SK. Astrocyte structural reactivity and plasticity in models of retinal detachment. Exp Eye Res 2016; 150:4-21. [PMID: 27060374 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although retinal neurodegenerative conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment have different etiologies and pathological characteristics, they also have many responses in common at the cellular level, including neural and glial remodeling. Structural changes in Müller cells, the large radial glia of the retina in retinal disease and injury have been well described, that of the retinal astrocytes remains less so. Using modern imaging technology to describe the structural remodeling of retinal astrocytes after retinal detachment is the focus of this paper. We present both a review of critical literature as well as novel work focusing on the responses of astrocytes following rhegmatogenous and serous retinal detachment. The mouse presents a convenient model system in which to study astrocyte reactivity since the Mϋller cell response is muted in comparison to other species thereby allowing better visualization of the astrocytes. We also show data from rat, cat, squirrel, and human retina demonstrating similarities and differences across species. Our data from immunolabeling and dye-filling experiments demonstrate previously undescribed morphological characteristics of normal astrocytes and changes induced by detachment. Astrocytes not only upregulate GFAP, but structurally remodel, becoming increasingly irregular in appearance, and often penetrating deep into neural retina. Understanding these responses, their consequences, and what drives them may prove to be an important component in improving visual outcome in a variety of therapeutic situations. Our data further supports the concept that astrocytes are important players in the retina's overall response to injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Luna
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Center for Bio-image Informatics, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Patrick W Keeley
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Benjamin E Reese
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Kenneth A Linberg
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Geoffrey P Lewis
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Center for Bio-image Informatics, University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Steven K Fisher
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Center for Bio-image Informatics, University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, USA.
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