1
|
Qian Z, Zheng K, Xu Y, Chen S, Chen S, Liang J, Cao Y, Ng TK, Qiu K. Longitudinal in vivo evaluation of retinal ganglion cell complex layer and dendrites in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109708. [PMID: 37913917 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), induced by the immunization of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), is related to human MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Neuroinflammation and demyelination of the optic nerve can lead to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and axonal damage in MOGAD. Here, we aimed to evaluate the structural changes in RGCs longitudinally by in vivo imaging in mice with RGCs expressing yellow fluorescent protein along the course of EAE. Successful induction of EAE was confirmed by the neurological function scores and histology analyses. The changes in the thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) layer and RGC survival and dendrites were monitored longitudinally along the course of EAE. Before the onset of EAE, there were no significant changes in the number and morphology of RGCs and the thickness of the GCC layer as compared to the mice without EAE induction. After the onset of EAE, the thickness of the GCC layer and the RGC number and dendritic network all gradually decreased along the course of EAE. Notably, dendritic shrinkage could be detected earlier than the thinning of the GCC layer. In summary, this study delineated the longitudinal profile of RGC structural changes in EAE mice, providing an assessment platform for monitoring outcomes of RGC treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qian
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxuan Xu
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Si Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowan Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiajian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingjie Cao
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Kunliang Qiu
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barroso Á, Ketelhut S, Nettels-Hackert G, Heiduschka P, del Amor R, Naranjo V, Kemper B, Schnekenburger J. Durable 3D murine ex vivo retina glaucoma models for optical coherence tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:4421-4438. [PMID: 37791268 PMCID: PMC10545187 DOI: 10.1364/boe.494271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Durable and standardized phantoms with optical properties similar to native healthy and disease-like biological tissues are essential tools for the development, performance testing, calibration and comparison of label-free high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) systems. Available phantoms are based on artificial materials and reflect thus only partially ocular properties. To address this limitation, we have performed investigations on the establishment of durable tissue phantoms from ex vivo mouse retina for enhanced reproduction of in vivo structure and complexity. In a proof-of-concept study, we explored the establishment of durable 3D models from dissected mouse eyes that reproduce the properties of normal retina structures and tissue with glaucoma-like layer thickness alterations. We explored different sectioning and preparation procedures for embedding normal and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-treated mouse retina in transparent gel matrices and epoxy resins, to generate durable three-dimensional tissue models. Sample quality and reproducibility were quantified by thickness determination of the generated layered structures utilizing computer-assisted segmentation of OCT B-scans that were acquired with a commercial HR-OCT system at a central wavelength of 905 nm and analyzed with custom build software. Our results show that the generated 3D models feature thin biological layers close to current OCT resolution limits and glaucoma-like tissue alterations that are suitable for reliable HR-OCT performance characterization. The comparison of data from resin-embedded tissue with native murine retina in gels demonstrates that by utilization of appropriate preparation protocols, highly stable samples with layered structures equivalent to native tissues can be fabricated. The experimental data demonstrate our concept as a promising approach toward the fabrication of durable biological 3D models suitable for high-resolution OCT system performance characterization supporting the development of optimized instruments for ophthalmology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Barroso
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Mendelstr. 17, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Steffi Ketelhut
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Mendelstr. 17, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Gerburg Nettels-Hackert
- Department of Ophthalmology of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Domagkstr. 15, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Peter Heiduschka
- Department of Ophthalmology of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Domagkstr. 15, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Rocío del Amor
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Valery Naranjo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Björn Kemper
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Mendelstr. 17, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schnekenburger
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty, University of Muenster, Mendelstr. 17, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun CC, Wu IW, Lee CC, Liu CF, Lin YT, Yeung L. Retinal Neurodegeneration and Visual Acuity Decline in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:909-923. [PMID: 36571674 PMCID: PMC10011354 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with accelerated retinal neurodegeneration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between retinal neurodegeneration and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decline in patients with CKD. METHODS Post hoc analysis of two prospective studies. Patients with CKD stage ≥ 3 were enrolled. Macular thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography. Eyes were classified into three groups: Group 1, no GCC defect; Group 2, GCC defect confined to parafoveal area; and Group 3, GCC defects extending beyond the parafoveal area. Each group was matched for age, sex, axial length, lens status, and cataract grading. RESULTS A total of 120 eyes (40 eyes in each group) from 120 patients (age 63.0 ± 10.3 years) were included. The logMAR BCVA was 0.076 ± 0.101, 0.100 ± 0.127, and 0.196 ± 0.191 in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Group 3, but not Group 2, had a significantly worse BCVA than Group 1. In simple linear regression, parafoveal inner retinal thickness, pRNFL thickness, presence of pRNFL defect, GCC thickness, GCC global loss volume, GCC focal loss volume, and GCC defect extending beyond parafoveal area were associated with BCVA. Central subfield retinal thickness (CRT), parafoveal full retinal thickness, and parafoveal outer retinal thickness were not associated with BCVA. In backward stepwise linear regression, age and GCC defects extending beyond the parafoveal area were factors associated with BCVA. Moreover, GCC defect extending beyond parafoveal area was connected with worse BCVA in both phakic and pseudophakic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS GCC defect extending beyond parafoveal area could be an independent biomarker associated with decreased BCVA in patients with CKD. However, macular thinning measured by CRT or parafoveal full retinal thickness might have low discriminative power in determining BCVA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung, 20401, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - I-Wen Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Nephrology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.,Community Medicine Research Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chan Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Nephrology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Fu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung, 20401, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tze Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung, 20401, Taiwan.,Retina Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ling Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 222, Maijin Rd., Anle Dist., Keelung, 20401, Taiwan. .,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Retina Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rezkallah A, Douma I, Bonjour M, Mathis T, Kodjikian L, Denis P. Evaluation of the Correlation between Regional Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage and Visual Field Sensitivity in Patients with Advanced Glaucoma. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164880. [PMID: 36013117 PMCID: PMC9409684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: to investigate the correlation between structural (retinal ganglion cells and retinal nerve fibers) and functional alterations analyzed point-by-point in the central 10 degrees of the visual field of patients with advanced glaucoma using Humphrey 10-2 visual field tests. (2) Methods: Single-center prospective cohort study carried on from October 2018 to February 2019 at the Croix-Rousse hospital, Lyon, France. The primary outcome measure was the point-by-point correlation between retinal sensitivity (Humphrey 10-2) and retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness. (3) Results: 29 eyes of 27 patients were examined. Of these, 15 eyes had a mean deviation (MD) less than −20 dB. There were statistically significant linear relationships between GCC thickness and 10-2 visual field sensitivity for several points in the lower part of the visual field, with lower retinal sensitivity being associated with thicker GCC layers. There were no strong linear relationships or statistically significant correlations in the other regions of the visual field. For the patients with MD < −20 dB, there were statistically significant linear relationships between GCC thickness and 10-2 visual field sensitivity for several points in the superior nasal region. Retinal sensitivity was not correlated with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. (4) Conclusions: In this study of patients with advanced glaucoma, GCC thickness was linearly associated with 10-2 visual field sensitivity in certain regions, negatively for patients with less-severe glaucoma. The initial thickening raises questions about the apoptosis mechanism, while the thinning observed in the most severe cases is consistent with the ganglion cell death identified on visual field tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina Rezkallah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +334-26-10-94-31
| | - Ikrame Douma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Maxime Bonjour
- Department of Statistics, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69001 Lyon, France
| | - Thibaud Mathis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, University of Medicine Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Laurent Kodjikian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, University of Medicine Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Denis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tools and Biomarkers for the Study of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084287. [PMID: 35457104 PMCID: PMC9025234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system, its analysis may provide an idea of the health and functionality, not only of the retina, but also of the entire central nervous system, as has been shown in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. Within the retina, the ganglion cells (RGC) are the neurons in charge of processing and sending light information to higher brain centers. Diverse insults and pathological states cause degeneration of RGC, leading to irreversible blindness or impaired vision. RGCs are the measurable endpoints in current research into experimental therapies and diagnosis in multiple ocular pathologies, like glaucoma. RGC subtype classifications are based on morphological, functional, genetical, and immunohistochemical aspects. Although great efforts are being made, there is still no classification accepted by consensus. Moreover, it has been observed that each RGC subtype has a different susceptibility to injury. Characterizing these subtypes together with cell death pathway identification will help to understand the degenerative process in the different injury and pathological models, and therefore prevent it. Here we review the known RGC subtypes, as well as the diagnostic techniques, probes, and biomarkers for programmed and unprogrammed cell death in RGC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Di Pierdomenico J, Henderson DCM, Giammaria S, Smith VL, Jamet AJ, Smith CA, Hooper ML, Chauhan BC. Age and intraocular pressure in murine experimental glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101021. [PMID: 34801667 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age and intraocular pressure (IOP) are the two most important risk factors for the development and progression of open-angle glaucoma. While IOP is commonly considered in models of experimental glaucoma (EG), most studies use juvenile or adult animals and seldom older animals which are representative of the human disease. This paper provides a concise review of how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, the hallmark of glaucoma, can be evaluated in EG with a special emphasis on serial in vivo imaging, a parallel approach used in clinical practice. It appraises the suitability of EG models for the purpose of in vivo imaging and argues for the use of models that provide a sustained elevation of IOP, without compromise of the ocular media. In a study with parallel cohorts of adult (3-month-old, equivalent to 20 human years) and old (2-year-old, equivalent to 70 human years) mice, we compare the effects of elevated IOP on serial ganglion cell complex thickness and individual RGC dendritic morphology changes obtained in vivo. We also evaluate how age modulates the impact of elevated IOP on RGC somal and axonal density in histological analysis as well the density of melanopsin RGCs. We discuss the challenges of using old animals and emphasize the potential of single RGC imaging for understanding the pathobiology of RGC loss and evaluating new therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Delaney C M Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sara Giammaria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Victoria L Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aliénor J Jamet
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Corey A Smith
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Henderson DCM, Vianna JR, Gobran J, Pierdomenico JD, Hooper ML, Farrell SRM, Chauhan BC. Longitudinal In Vivo Changes in Retinal Ganglion Cell Dendritic Morphology After Acute and Chronic Optic Nerve Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:5. [PMID: 34232261 PMCID: PMC8267182 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize in vivo dendritic changes in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after acute (optic nerve transection, ONT) and chronic (experimental glaucoma, EG) optic nerve injury. Methods ONT and EG (microbead model) were carried out in Thy1-YFP mice in which the entire RGC dendritic arbor was imaged with confocal fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscopy over two weeks in the ONT group and over two and six months, respectively, in two (groups 1 and 2) EG groups. Sholl analysis was used to quantify dendritic structure with the parameters: area under the curve (AUC), radius of the dendritic field, peak number of intersections (PI), and distance to the PI (PD). Results Dendritic changes were observed after three days post-ONT with significant decreases in all parameters at two weeks. In group 1 EG mice, mean (SD) intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15.2 (1.1) and 9.8 (0.3) mmHg in the EG and untreated contralateral eyes, respectively, with a significant corresponding decrease in AUC, PI, and PD, but not radius. In group 2 mice, the respective IOP was 13.1 (1.0) and 8.8 (0.1) mmHg, peaking at two months before trending towards baseline. Over the first two months, AUC, PI, and PD decreased significantly, with no further subsequent changes. The rates of change of the parameters after ONT was 5 to 10 times faster than in EG. Conclusions Rapid dendritic changes occurred after ONT, while changes in EG were slower and associated with level of IOP increase. The earliest alterations were loss of inner neurites without change in dendritic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delaney C M Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jayme R Vianna
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John Gobran
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Spring R M Farrell
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gobran J, Rawlyk B, Henderson DC, Hooper ML, Farrell SRM, Chauhan BC. Effects of 3D Stratification of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Sholl Analysis. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 346:108907. [PMID: 32795552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sholl analysis is used to quantify the dendritic complexity of neurons. Differences between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) Sholl analysis can exist in neurons with extensive axial stratification of dendrites, however, in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), only 2D analysis is typically reported despite varying degrees of stratification within the retinal inner plexiform layer. We determined the impact of this stratification by comparing 2D and 3D analysis of the same RGCs. NEW METHOD Twelve retinas of mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein in RGCs under the control of the Thy1 promotor were whole-mounted. The entire dendritic arbor of 120 RGCs was traced, after which 2D and 3D Sholl analysis was performed. Two parameters describing dendritic complexity; area under the curve (AUC) and peak number of intersections (PNI) were then derived and analyzed. RESULTS AND COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The AUC and PNI were significantly higher with 3D analysis compared to 2D analysis with medians of 2805 and 2508 units, and 31 and 27, respectively (P < 0.01). Both 2D and 3D AUC increased with arbor thickness. The discrepancy in AUC between the two methods depended on mean AUC (with every 1 unit increase in mean AUC resulting in a discrepancy of 0.1 unit), but not arbor thickness. CONCLUSION In RGCs imaged in vitro, there is a difference in AUC and PNI derived with 2D and 3D Sholl analysis. Where possible, 3D Sholl analysis of RGCs should be performed for more accurate quantitative analysis of dendritic structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Gobran
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Brooklyn Rawlyk
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Delaney C Henderson
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Michele L Hooper
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Spring R M Farrell
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, 1276 South Park Street, 2W Victoria, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2Y9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li L, Huang H, Fang F, Liu L, Sun Y, Hu Y. Longitudinal Morphological and Functional Assessment of RGC Neurodegeneration After Optic Nerve Crush in Mouse. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:109. [PMID: 32410964 PMCID: PMC7200994 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse optic nerve crush (ONC) model has been widely used to study optic neuropathies and central nervous system (CNS) axon injury and repair. Previous histological studies of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somata in retina and axons in ON demonstrate significant neurodegeneration after ONC, but longitudinal morphological and functional assessment of RGCs in living animals is lacking. It is essential to establish these assays to provide more clinically relevant information for early detection and monitoring the progression of CNS neurodegeneration. Here, we present in vivo data gathered by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) at different time points after ONC in mouse eyes and corresponding histological quantification of the RGC somata and axons. Not surprisingly, direct visualization of RGCs by SLO fundus imaging correlated best with histological quantification of RGC somata and axons. Unexpectedly, OCT did not detect obvious retinal thinning until late time points (14 and 28-days post ONC) and instead detected significant retinal swelling at early time points (1–5 days post-ONC), indicating a characteristic initial retinal response to ON injury. PERG also demonstrated an early RGC functional deficit in response to ONC, before significant RGC death, suggesting that it is highly sensitive to ONC. However, the limited progression of PERG deficits diminished its usefulness as a reliable indicator of RGC degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alrashdi B, Dawod B, Schampel A, Tacke S, Kuerten S, Marshall JS, Côté PD. Nav1.6 promotes inflammation and neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:215. [PMID: 31722722 PMCID: PMC6852902 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In multiple sclerosis (MS) and in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, the Nav1.6 voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel isoform has been implicated as a primary contributor to axonal degeneration. Following demyelination Nav1.6, which is normally co-localized with the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) at the nodes of Ranvier, associates with β-APP, a marker of neural injury. The persistent influx of sodium through Nav1.6 is believed to reverse the function of NCX, resulting in an increased influx of damaging Ca2+ ions. However, direct evidence for the role of Nav1.6 in axonal degeneration is lacking. METHODS In mice floxed for Scn8a, the gene that encodes the α subunit of Nav1.6, subjected to EAE we examined the effect of eliminating Nav1.6 from retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in one eye using an AAV vector harboring Cre and GFP, while using the contralateral either injected with AAV vector harboring GFP alone or non-targeted eye as control. RESULTS In retinas, the expression of Rbpms, a marker for retinal ganglion cells, was found to be inversely correlated to the expression of Scn8a. Furthermore, the gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 (IL-6) and Ifng (IFN-γ), and of the reactive gliosis marker Gfap (GFAP) were found to be reduced in targeted retinas. Optic nerves from targeted eyes were shown to have reduced macrophage infiltration and improved axonal health. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results are consistent with Nav1.6 promoting inflammation and contributing to axonal degeneration following demyelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barakat Alrashdi
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Department of Biology, Al-Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassel Dawod
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrea Schampel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tacke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kuerten
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Structural and functional tests are essential for detecting and monitoring glaucomatous damage. However, the correlations between structural and functional tests in glaucoma are complex and faulty, with the combination of both modalities being recommended for better assessment of glaucoma. The objective of this review is to explore investigations from the last 5 years in the field of structure-function correlation in glaucoma that contributed to increment in the understanding of this correlation and have the potential to improve the diagnosis and detection of glaucoma progression.
Collapse
|
12
|
Melanopsin +RGCs Are fully Resistant to NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123012. [PMID: 31226772 PMCID: PMC6627747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied short- and long-term effects of intravitreal injection of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) on melanopsin-containing (m+) and non-melanopsin-containing (Brn3a+) retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In adult SD-rats, the left eye received a single intravitreal injection of 5µL of 100nM NMDA. At 3 and 15 months, retinal thickness was measured in vivo using Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Ex vivo analyses were done at 3, 7, or 14 days or 15 months after damage. Whole-mounted retinas were immunolabelled for brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A (Brn3a) and melanopsin (m), the total number of Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were quantified, and their topography represented. In control retinas, the mean total numbers of Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were 78,903 ± 3572 and 2358 ± 144 (mean ± SD; n = 10), respectively. In the NMDA injected retinas, Brn3a+RGCs numbers diminished to 49%, 28%, 24%, and 19%, at 3, 7, 14 days, and 15 months, respectively. There was no further loss between 7 days and 15 months. The number of immunoidentified m+RGCs decreased significantly at 3 days, recovered between 3 and 7 days, and were back to normal thereafter. OCT measurements revealed a significant thinning of the left retinas at 3 and 15 months. Intravitreal injections of NMDA induced within a week a rapid loss of 72% of Brn3a+RGCs, a transient downregulation of melanopsin expression (but not m+RGC death), and a thinning of the inner retinal layers.
Collapse
|
13
|
Oh J, Kim YJ, Cho Y, Park S, Kim HM, Kim C, Lee T, Jun SC, Park KH, Kim DY, Kim JH, Kim SH. Imaging and Differentiation of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Ex Vivo Experimental Optic Nerve Degeneration by Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy. Curr Eye Res 2019; 44:760-769. [PMID: 30868918 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1593463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Apoptotic loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is involved in various optic neuropathies, and its extent is closely related to visual impairment. Direct imaging and counting of RGCs is beneficial to the evaluation of RGC loss, but these processes are challenging with the conventional techniques, due to the transparency and hypo-reflectivity of RGCs as light-transmitting structures of the retina. Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, which can provide real-time images of transparent specimens, is utilized to image neuronal cells including RGCs in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Methods: Herein, we show that the neuronal cells within each GCL in an explanted rat retina, including the inner nuclear layer and the outer nuclear layer, can be imaged selectively by transmission-type DIC microscopy. RGCs were also differentiated from non-RGCs by the objective method. Results: RGCs were differentiated from non-RGCs in the GCL by their morphological features on DIC images with the aid of retrograde fluorescence labeling. Loss of RGCs was detected in optic-nerve-transection and retinal-ischemia-reperfusion models by DIC imaging. The images obtained from the reflection-type DIC microscopy were comparable to those from the transmission-type DIC microscopy. Conclusions: This method enables direct optical visualization of RGCs in experimental optic-nerve degeneration, thus providing the opportunity for more accurate evaluation of optic neuropathies as well as more effective investigation of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juyeong Oh
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jeong Kim
- b Department of Ophthalmology , Seoul National University Hospital , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Cho
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Subeen Park
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Min Kim
- c College of Natural Sciences , Kookmin University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Chulki Kim
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Taikjin Lee
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Chan Jun
- d School of Mechanical Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Ho Park
- e Department of Ophthalmology , Seoul National University Boramae Hospital , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Yu Kim
- f Department of Electrical Engineering , Inha University , Incheon , Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hun Kim
- a Sensor System Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hwan Kim
- e Department of Ophthalmology , Seoul National University Boramae Hospital , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rheaume BA, Jereen A, Bolisetty M, Sajid MS, Yang Y, Renna K, Sun L, Robson P, Trakhtenberg EF. Single cell transcriptome profiling of retinal ganglion cells identifies cellular subtypes. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2759. [PMID: 30018341 PMCID: PMC6050223 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) convey the major output of information collected from the eye to the brain. Thirty subtypes of RGCs have been identified to date. Here, we analyze 6225 RGCs (average of 5000 genes per cell) from right and left eyes by single-cell RNA-seq and classify them into 40 subtypes using clustering algorithms. We identify additional subtypes and markers, as well as transcription factors predicted to cooperate in specifying RGC subtypes. Zic1, a marker of the right eye-enriched subtype, is validated by immunostaining in situ. Runx1 and Fst, the markers of other subtypes, are validated in purified RGCs by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunostaining. We show the extent of gene expression variability needed for subtype segregation, and we show a hierarchy in diversification from a cell-type population to subtypes. Finally, we present a website for comparing the gene expression of RGC subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Rheaume
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Amyeo Jereen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Mohan Bolisetty
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Muhammad S Sajid
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Kathleen Renna
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Lili Sun
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Paul Robson
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics and Department of Genetics & Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Ephraim F Trakhtenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
FluoroGold-Labeled Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture for Neurotoxicity Screening Studies. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:2487473. [PMID: 29560079 PMCID: PMC5831603 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2487473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical toxicity screening of the new retinal compounds is an absolute requirement in the pathway of further drug development. Since retinal neuron cultivation and in vivo studies are relatively expensive and time consuming, we aimed to create a fast and reproducible ex vivo system for retinal toxicity screening. For this purpose, we used rat retinal explant culture that was retrogradely labeled with the FluoroGold before the isolation. Explants were exposed to a toxic concentration of gentamicin and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a known neuroprotective agent. The measured outcomes showed the cell density in retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture medium. Gentamicin-induced oxidative stress resulted in retinal cell damage and rapid LDH release to the culture medium (p < 0.05). Additional CNTF supplementation minimized the cell damage, and the increase of LDH release was insignificant when compared to LDH levels before gentamicin insult (p > 0.05). As well as this, the LDH activity was directly correlated with the cell count in GCL (R = −0.84, p < 0.00001), making a sensitive marker of retinal neuron damage. The FLOREC protocol could be considered as a fast, reproducible, and sensitive method to detect neurotoxicity in the screening studies of the retinal drugs.
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith CA, Chauhan BC. In vivo imaging of adeno-associated viral vector labelled retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1490. [PMID: 29367685 PMCID: PMC5784170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19969-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A defining characteristic of optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma, is progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current clinical tests only provide weak surrogates of RGC loss, but the possibility of optically visualizing RGCs and quantifying their rate of loss could represent a radical advance in the management of optic neuropathies. In this study we injected two different adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector serotypes in the vitreous to enable green fluorescent protein (GFP) labelling of RGCs in wild-type mice for in vivo and non-invasive imaging. GFP-labelled cells were detected by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy 1-week post-injection and plateaued in density at 4 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis 5-weeks post-injection revealed labelling specificity to RGCs to be significantly higher with the AAV2-DCX-GFP vector compared to the AAV2-CAG-GFP vector. There were no adverse functional or structural effects of the labelling method as determined with electroretinography and optical coherence tomography, respectively. The RGC-specific positive and negative scotopic threshold responses had similar amplitudes between control and experimental eyes, while inner retinal thickness was also unchanged after injection. As a positive control experiment, optic nerve transection resulted in a progressive loss of labelled RGCs. AAV vectors provide strong and long-lasting GFP labelling of RGCs without detectable adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Smith
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.,Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, 1276 South Park Street, 2W Victoria, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2Y9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lavinsky F, Wollstein G, Tauber J, Schuman JS. The Future of Imaging in Detecting Glaucoma Progression. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:S76-S82. [PMID: 29157365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular imaging has been heavily incorporated into glaucoma management and provides important information that aids in the detection of disease progression. Longitudinal studies have shown that the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer is an important parameter for glaucoma progression detection, whereas other studies have demonstrated that macular parameters, such as the ganglion cell inner plexiform layer and optic nerve head parameters, also are useful for progression detection. The introduction of novel technologies with faster scan speeds, wider scanning fields, higher resolution, and improved tissue penetration has enabled the precise quantification of additional key ocular structures, such as the individual retinal layers, optic nerve head, choroid, and lamina cribrosa. Furthermore, extracting functional information from scans such as blood flow rate and oxygen consumption provides new perspectives on the disease and its progression. These novel methods promise improved detection of glaucoma progression and better insight into the mechanisms of progression that will lead to better targeted treatment options to prevent visual damage and blindness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Lavinsky
- NYU Langone Eye Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Gadi Wollstein
- NYU Langone Eye Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jenna Tauber
- NYU Langone Eye Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Joel S Schuman
- NYU Langone Eye Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao L, Chen G, Li J, Fu Y, Mavlyutov TA, Yao A, Nickells RW, Gong S, Guo LW. An intraocular drug delivery system using targeted nanocarriers attenuates retinal ganglion cell degeneration. J Control Release 2017; 247:153-166. [PMID: 28063892 PMCID: PMC5323250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common blinding disease characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To date, there is no clinically available treatment directly targeting RGCs. We aim to develop an RGC-targeted intraocular drug delivery system using unimolecular micelle nanoparticles (unimNPs) to prevent RGC loss. The unimNPs were formed by single/individual multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer poly(amidoamine)-polyvalerolactone-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAMAM-PVL-PEG). While the hydrophobic PAMAM-PVL core can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, the hydrophilic PEG shell provides excellent water dispersity. We conjugated unimNPs with the cholera toxin B domain (CTB) for RGC-targeting and with Cy5.5 for unimNP-tracing. To exploit RGC-protective sigma-1 receptor (S1R), we loaded unimNPs with an endogenous S1R agonist dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as an FDA-approved model drug. These unimNPs produced a steady DHEA release in vitro for over two months at pH7.4. We then co-injected (mice, intraocular) unimNPs with the glutamate analog N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), which is excito-toxic and induces RGC death. The CTB-conjugated unimNPs (i.e., targeted NPs) accumulated at the RGC layer and effectively preserved RGCs at least for 14days, whereas the unimNPs without CTB (i.e., non-targeted NPs) showed neither accumulation at nor protection of NMDA-treated RGCs. Consistent with S1R functions, targeted NPs relative to non-targeted NPs showed markedly better inhibitory effects on apoptosis and oxidative/inflammatory stresses in the RGC layer. Hence, the DHEA-loaded, CTB-conjugated unimNPs represent an RGC/S1R dual-targeted nanoplatform that generates an efficacious template for further development of a sustainable intraocular drug delivery system to protect RGCs, which may be applicable to treatments directed at glaucomatous pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.; Department of Ophthalmology, The 3rd People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian 116033, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wanping Nan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Annie Yao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Smith CA, Vianna JR, Chauhan BC. Assessing retinal ganglion cell damage. Eye (Lond) 2017; 31:209-217. [PMID: 28085141 PMCID: PMC5306472 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is the hallmark of optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, where damage to RGC axons occurs at the level of the optic nerve head. In experimental glaucoma, damage is assessed at the axon level (in the retinal nerve fibre layer and optic nerve head) or at the soma level (in the retina). In clinical glaucoma where measurements are generally limited to non-invasive techniques, structural measurements of the retinal nerve fibre layer and optic nerve head, or functional measurements with perimetry provide surrogate estimates of RGC integrity. These surrogate measurements, while clinically useful, are several levels removed from estimating actual RGC loss. Advances in imaging, labelling techniques, and transgenic medicine are making enormous strides in experimental glaucoma, providing knowledge on the pathophysiology of glaucoma, its progression and testing new therapeutic avenues. Advances are also being made in functional imaging of RGCs. Future efforts will now be directed towards translating these advances to clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Smith
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - J R Vianna
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - B C Chauhan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Davis BM, Crawley L, Pahlitzsch M, Javaid F, Cordeiro MF. Glaucoma: the retina and beyond. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 132:807-826. [PMID: 27544758 PMCID: PMC5106492 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-016-1609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over 60 million people worldwide are diagnosed with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, which is estimated to be responsible for 8.4 million cases of irreversible blindness globally. Glaucoma is associated with characteristic damage to the optic nerve and patterns of visual field loss which principally involves the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). At present, intraocular pressure (IOP) presents the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, although RGC and vision loss can continue in patients despite well-controlled IOP. This, coupled with the present inability to diagnose glaucoma until relatively late in the disease process, has led to intense investigations towards the development of novel techniques for the early diagnosis of disease. This review outlines our current understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying RGC and axonal loss in glaucoma. Similarities between glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are drawn before an overview of recent developments in techniques for monitoring RGC health is provided, including recent progress towards the development of RGC specific contrast agents. The review concludes by discussing techniques to assess glaucomatous changes in the brain using MRI and the clinical relevance of glaucomatous-associated changes in the visual centres of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Crawley
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 153-173 Marylebone Road, London, UK
| | | | - Fatimah Javaid
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Cordeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, UK.
- Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 153-173 Marylebone Road, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Advances in retinal ganglion cell imaging. Eye (Lond) 2015; 29:1260-9. [PMID: 26293138 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and will affect 79.6 million people worldwide by 2020. It is caused by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), predominantly via apoptosis, within the retinal nerve fibre layer and the corresponding loss of axons of the optic nerve head. One of its most devastating features is its late diagnosis and the resulting irreversible visual loss that is often predictable. Current diagnostic tools require significant RGC or functional visual field loss before the threshold for detection of glaucoma may be reached. To propel the efficacy of therapeutics in glaucoma, an earlier diagnostic tool is required. Recent advances in retinal imaging, including optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and adaptive optics, have propelled both glaucoma research and clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. However, an ideal imaging technique to diagnose and monitor glaucoma would image RGCs non-invasively with high specificity and sensitivity in vivo. It may confirm the presence of healthy RGCs, such as in transgenic models or retrograde labelling, or detect subtle changes in the number of unhealthy or apoptotic RGCs, such as detection of apoptosing retinal cells (DARC). Although many of these advances have not yet been introduced to the clinical arena, their successes in animal studies are enthralling. This review will illustrate the challenges of imaging RGCs, the main retinal imaging modalities, the in vivo techniques to augment these as specific RGC-imaging tools and their potential for translation to the glaucoma clinic.
Collapse
|
22
|
Nuschke AC, Farrell SR, Levesque JM, Chauhan BC. Assessment of retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucomatous optic neuropathy: Axon transport, injury and soma loss. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:111-24. [PMID: 26070986 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by progressive axonal pathology and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which causes structural changes in the optic nerve head and irreversible vision loss. Several experimental models of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) have been developed, primarily in non-human primates and, more recently and commonly, in rodents. These models provide important research tools to study the mechanisms underlying glaucomatous damage. Moreover, experimental GON provides the ability to quantify and monitor risk factors leading to RGC loss such as the level of intraocular pressure, axonal health and the RGC population. Using these experimental models we are able to gain a better understanding of GON, which allows for the development of potential neuroprotective strategies. Here we review the advantages and disadvantages of the relevant and most often utilized methods for evaluating axonal degeneration and RGC loss in GON. Axonal pathology in GON includes functional disruption of axonal transport (AT) and structural degeneration. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), rhodamine-B-isothiocyanate (RITC) and cholera toxin-B (CTB) fluorescent conjugates have proven to be effective reporters of AT. Also, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for endogenous AT-associated proteins is often used as an indicator of AT function. Similarly, structural degeneration of axons in GON can be investigated via changes in the activity and expression of key axonal enzymes and structural proteins. Assessment of axonal degeneration can be measured by direct quantification of axons, qualitative grading, or a combination of both methods. RGC loss is the most frequently quantified variable in studies of experimental GON. Retrograde tracers can be used to quantify RGC populations in rodents via application to the superior colliculus (SC). In addition, in situ IHC for RGC-specific proteins is a common method of RGC quantification used in many studies. Recently, transgenic mouse models that express fluorescent proteins under the Thy-1 promoter have been examined for their potential to provide specific and selective labeling of RGCs for the study of GON. While these methods represent important advances in assessing the structural and functional integrity of RGCs, each has its advantages and disadvantages; together they provide an extensive toolbox for the study of GON.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Nuschke
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Spring R Farrell
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julie M Levesque
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Balwantray C Chauhan
- Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|