A morphological and morphometrical study of the retina in aging SAM mice

Alternative transcribed 3' isoform of long non-coding RNA Malat1 inhibits mouse retinal oxidative stress

The function of the cancer-associated lncRNA Malat1 during aging is as-of-yet uncharacterized. Here, we show that Malat1 interacts with Nucleophosmin (NPM) in young mouse brain, and with Lamin A/C, hnRNP C, and KAP1 with age. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR reveal a persistent expression of Malat1_2 (the 3'isoform of Malat1) in Malat1Δ1 (5'-1.5 kb deletion) mouse retinas and brains at 1/4^th level of the full-length Malat1, while Malat1_1 (the 5'isoform) in Malat1Δ2 (deletion of 3'-conserved 5.7 kb) at a much lower level, suggesting an internal promoter driving the 3' isoform. The 1774 and 496 differentially expressed genes in Malat1Δ2 and Malat1Δ1 brains, respectively, suggest the 3' isoform regulates gene expression in trans and the 5' isoform in cis. Consistently, Malat1Δ2 mice show increased age-dependent retinal oxidative stress and corneal opacity, while Malat1Δ1 mice show no obvious phenotype. Collectively, this study reveals a physiological function of the lncRNA Malat1 3'-isoform during the aging process.

Diabetes exacerbates amyloid and neurovascular pathology in aging-accelerated mice

Mounting evidence supports a link between diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, and aging. However, the physiological mechanisms by which diabetes impacts brain function and cognition are not fully understood. To determine how diabetes contributes to cognitive dysfunction and age-associated pathology, we used streptozotocin to induce type 1 diabetes (T1D) in senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) and senescence-resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice. Contextual fear conditioning demonstrated that T1D resulted in the development of cognitive deficits in SAMR1 mice similar to those seen in age-matched, nondiabetic SAMP8 mice. No further cognitive deficits were observed when the SAMP8 mice were made diabetic. T1D dramatically increased Aβ and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice and to a lesser extent in age-matched SAMR1 mice. Further analysis revealed aggregated Aβ within astrocyte processes surrounding vessels. Western blot analyses from T1D SAMP8 mice showed elevated amyloid precursor protein processing and protein glycation along with increased inflammation. T1D elevated tau phosphorylation in the SAMR1 mice but did not further increase it in the SAMP8 mice where it was already significantly higher. These data suggest that aberrant glucose metabolism potentiates the aging phenotype in old mice and contributes to early stage central nervous system pathology in younger animals.

Protecting the retinal neurons from glaucoma: lowering ocular pressure is not enough

The retina is theater of a number of biochemical reactions allowing, within its layers, the conversion of light impulses into electrical signals. The axons of the last neuronal elements, the ganglion cells, form the optic nerve and transfer the signals to the brain. Therefore, an appropriate cellular communication, not only within the different retinal cells, but also between the retina itself and the other brain structures, is fundamental. One of the most diffuse pathologies affecting retinal function and communication, which thus reverberates in the whole visual system, is glaucoma. This insidious disease is characterized by a progressive optic nerve degeneration and sight loss which may finally lead to irreversible blindness. Nevertheless, the progressive nature of this pathology offers an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. To better understand the cellular processes implicated in the development of glaucoma useful to envision a targeted pharmacological strategy, this manuscript first examines the complex cellular and functional organization of the retina and subsequently identifies the targets sensitive to neurodegeneration. Within this context, high ocular pressure represents a key risk factor. However, recent literature findings highlight the concept that lowering ocular pressure is not enough to prevent/slow down glaucomatous damage, suggesting the importance of combining the hypotensive treatment with other pharmacological approaches, such as the use of neuroprotectants. Therefore, this important and more novel aspect is extensively considered in this review, also emphasizing the idea that the neuroprotective strategy should be extended to the entire visual system and not restricted to the retina.

Retinal ultrastructure of murine models of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent form of irreversible blindness worldwide in the elderly population. The pathology of dry AMD consists of macular degeneration of photoreceptors and the RPE, lipofuscin (A2E) accumulation, and drusen formation. Mice have been widely used for generating models that simulate human AMD features for investigating the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of the disease. Although the mouse has no macula, focal atrophy of photoreceptors and RPE, lipofuscin accumulation, and increased A2E can develop in aged mouse eyes. However, drusen are rarely seen in mice because of their simpler Bruch's membrane and different process of lipofuscin extrusion compared with humans. Thus, analyzing basal deposits at the ultrastructural level and understanding the ultrastructural pathologic differences between various mouse AMD models are critical to comprehending the significance of research findings and response to possible therapeutic options for dry AMD. Based on the multifactorial pathogenesis of AMD, murine dry AMD models can be classified into three groups. First, genetically engineered mice that target genes related to juvenile macular dystrophies are the most common models, and they include abcr(-/-) (Stargardt disease), transgenic ELOVL4 (Stargardt-3 dominant inheritary disease), Efemp1(R345W/R345W) (Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy), and Timp3(S156C/S156C) (Sorsby fundus dystrophy) mice. Other murine models target genes relevant to AMD, including inflammatory genes such as Cfh(-/-), Ccl2(-/-), Ccr2(-/-), Cx3cr1(-/-), and Ccl2(-/-)/cx3cr1(-/-), oxidative stress associated genes such as Sod1(-/-) and Sod2 knockdown, metabolic pathway genes such as neprilysin(-/-) (amyloid beta), transgenic mcd/mcd (cathepsin D), Cp(-/-)/Heph(-/Y) (ferroxidase ceruloplasmin/hepaestin, iron metabolism), and transgenic ApoE4 on high fat and high cholesterol diet (lipid metabolism). Second, mice have also been immunologically manipulated by immunization with carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP), an oxidative fragment of DHA found in drusen, and found to present with dry AMD features. Third, natural mouse strains such as arrd2/arrd2 (Mdm gene mutation) and the senescence accelerated mice (SAM) spontaneously develop features of dry AMD like photoreceptor atrophy and thickening of Bruch's membrane. All the aforementioned models develop retinal lesions with various features that simulate dry AMD lesions: focal photoreceptor degeneration, abnormal RPE with increased lipofuscin, basal infolding, decreased melanosomes and degeneration. However, Bruch's membrane changes are less common. Most mice develop retinal lesions at an older age (6-24 months, depending on the models), while the Ccl2(-/-)/cx3cr1(-/-) mice develop lesions by 4-6 weeks. Although murine models present various degrees of retinal and/or RPE degeneration, classical drusen is extremely rare. Using electron microscopy, small drusenoid deposits are found between RPE and Bruch's membrane in a few models including Efemp1(R345W/R345W), Ccl2(-/-)/cx3cr1(-/-), neprilysin(-/-), transgenic mcd/mcd, and ApoE4 transgenic mice on a high fat diet. High A2E levels are measured in the retinas of abcr(-/-), transgenic ELOVL4, and Ccl2(-/-)/cx3cr1(-/-) mice. In summary, murine models provide useful tools for studying AMD pathogenesis and evaluating novel therapies for this disease. This review compares the major dry AMD murine models and discusses retinal pathology at the ultrastructural level.

Time-course of blood-brain barrier disruption in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice

Senescence of the cerebrovascular system and an abnormal function of the blood-brain barrier have been related with Alzheimer's disease. We studied here the time-course of blood-brain barrier disruption in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice, which is a murine model of senescence and is also considered a model of Alzheimer's disease. We used a previously described method that allows evaluating blood-brain barrier integrity by observing Evans blue extravasation from brain blood vessels. Three brain regions (cortex, hippocampus and hippocampal fissure) of SAMP8 brains were analyzed at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age. Moreover, genetically related senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) and ICR-CD1 mice were studied. Results indicate that Evans blue permeability in SAMP8 and SAMR1 increases from 6 to 15 months in the three studied regions. At 15 months of age, SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice showed higher Evans blue extravasation in CA1 and Fissure than ICR-CD1 mice. Further studies are required to understand the senescence process in SAMR1 mice, as blood-brain barrier alterations in old age have unexpectedly been observed. On the other hand, as blood-brain barrier permeability in SAMP8 mice increases with age, blood-brain barrier alterations may contribute to the cerebral pathology observed in this strain.

Apoptotic retinal ganglion cell death in the DBA/2 mouse model of glaucoma

The DBA/2 mouse has been used as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma. We attempted to determine the in vivo time course and spatial distribution of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) undergoing apoptotic death in DBA/2 mice. Female DBA/2 mice, 3, 9-10, 12, 15, and 18 months of age, received intravitreal injections of Annexin-V conjugated to AlexaFluor 1h prior to euthanasia. Retinas were fixed and flat-mounted. Annexin-V-positive RGCs in the hemiretina opposite the site of injection were counted, and their locations were recorded. Positive controls for detection of apoptotic RGCs by Annexin-V labeling included rats subjected to optic nerve ligation, and C57BL/6 mice subjected to either optic nerve ligation or intravitreal injection of NMDA. To verify that Annexin-V-labeled cells were RGCs, intravitreal Annexin-V injections were also performed on retinas pre-labeled retrogradely with FluoroGold or with DiI. Annexin-V-positive RGC locations were analyzed to determine possible clustering and areas of preferential loss. Annexin-V labeled apoptotic RGCs in eyes after optic nerve ligation, intravitreal NMDA injection, as well as in aged DBA/2 animals. In glaucomatous DBA/2 mice 95-100% of cells labeled with Annexin-V were also FluoroGold- and DiI-positive. This confirms that Annexin-V can be used to specifically detect apoptotic RGCs in rodent retinas. In DBA/2 mice, apoptotic RGC death is maximal from the 12th to the 15th month of age (ANOVA, p<0.001, Fisher's post hoc test) and occurs in clusters. These clusters are initially located in the midperipheral retina and progressively occur closer to the optic nerve head with increasing age. Retrograde axonal transport of FluoroGold in the glaucomatous mouse retina is functional until at least 2-3days prior to initiation of apoptotic RGC death.

Anatomical and functional evidence for progressive age-related decline in parasympathetic control of choroidal blood flow in pigeons

The choroid receives extensive parasympathetic innervation, which in birds arises largely from the ciliary ganglion (CG). Since age-related changes in parasympathetic regulation of choroidal blood flow (ChBF) could contribute to age-related retinal decline, we used anatomical and functional methods to determine if ChBF control by the CG shows age-related decline in pigeons. The efficacy of the choroidal vasodilatory response to activation of the CG preganglionic input from the medial subdivision of the nucleus of Edinger-Westphal (EWM) was assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). The EWM receives bisynaptic retinal input, and electrical stimulation of EWM or light stimulation of the retina in young animals produces dramatic choroidal vasodilation. Transcleral LDF was therefore used to measure both basal ChBF and the increases in ChBF elicited by electrical stimulation of EWM or by retinal illumination in 0.5-18 year old pigeons. Fixed cryostat sections of the eye from 0.5 to 22 year old pigeons were immunolabeled for the 3A10 neurofilament-associated antigen to determine if intrachoroidal nerve fibers arising from CG exhibited age-related loss. We focused on superior choroid, since it is the primary target for CG nerve fibers. There was a marked age-related loss in the ChBF vasodilatory response elicited by either EWM stimulation or retinal illumination, as was also true for basal ChBF. A progressive decrease in choroidal nerve fibers of CG origin, to 17% of youthful abundance by 22 years of age, was also observed. The evoked ChBF increase, and basal ChBF, achieved 50% of their age-related decline between the ages of 3 and 4 years, while half the loss in CG innervation of choroid was later, occurring by 10 years. Age-related loss of choroidal nerve fibers occurs in parallel with but more slowly than the reduction in basal ChBF and the choroidal vasodilation that can be elicited via natural (light) or electrical activation of the central neural input to CG choroidal neurons. The prominent age-related decline in parasympathetic control of ChBF early in the pigeon life span could contribute to the age-related retinal decline observed in pigeons.

In silico analysis of gene expression profiles in the olfactory mucosae of aging senescence-accelerated mice

We utilized high-density Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays to investigate gene expression in the olfactory mucosae of near age-matched aging senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). The senescence-prone (SAMP) strain has a significantly shorter lifespan than does the senescence-resistant (SAMR) strain. To analyze our data, we applied biostatistical methods that included a correlation analysis to evaluate sources of methodologic and biological variability; a two-sided t-test to identify a subpopulation of Present genes with a biologically relevant P-value <0.05; and a false discovery rate (FDR) analysis adjusted to a stringent 5% level that yielded 127 genes with a P-value of <0.001 that were differentially regulated in near age-matched SAMPs (SAMP-Os; 13.75 months) compared to SAMRs (SAMR-Os, 12.5 months). Volcano plots related the variability in the mean hybridization signals as determined by the two-sided t-test to fold changes in gene expression. The genes were categorized into the six functional groups used previously in gene profiling experiments to identify candidate genes that may be relevant for senescence at the genomic and cellular levels in the aging mouse brain (Lee et al. [2000] Nat Genet 25:294-297) and in the olfactory mucosa (Getchell et al. [2003] Ageing Res Rev 2:211-243), which serves several functions that include chemosensory detection, immune barrier function, xenobiotic metabolism, and neurogenesis. Because SAMR-Os and SAMP-Os have substantially different median lifespans, we related the rate constant alpha in the Gompertz equation on aging to intrinsic as opposed to environmental mechanisms of senescence based on our analysis of genes modulated during aging in the olfactory mucosa.

Diurnal rhythm disorder of behavioral activity in SAMP1 mice is partially normalized by spontaneous wheel running

We examined the diurnal rhythms of food and water intake, spontaneous wheel running (SWR), and spontaneous motor activity (SMA) in the SAMP1 strain, a mouse model of accelerated senescence. Without SWR exercise, food, and water intake in the SAMP1 mice was significantly higher during the light (L)-phase of the light-darkness (LD) cycle than in the control SAMR1 strain. Additionally, SWR and SMA activity rhythms were split in SAMP1 mice, as demonstrated by the appearance of a secondary peak starting from the end of the dark (D)-phase. SWR exercise significantly increased the percentages of nocturnal food and water intake and SMA in the SAMP1 mice, although food and water intake did not reach the level of control SAMR1 mice. Thus, the disordered diurnal rhythms in SAMP1 mice can be normalized, even if only partially, by SWR exercise.

Age-related trends in gene expression in the chemosensory-nasal mucosae of senescence-accelerated mice

We have utilized high-density GeneChip oligonucleotide arrays to investigate the use of the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) as a biogerontological resource to identify patterns of gene expression in the chemosensory-nasal mucosa. Gene profiling in chronologically young and old mice of the senescence-resistant (SAMR) and senescence-prone (SAMP) strains revealed 133 known genes that were modulated by a three-fold or greater change either in one strain or the other or in both strains during aging. We also identified known genes in our study which based on their encoded proteins were identified as aging-related genes in the aging neocortex and cerebellum of mice as reported by Lee et al. (2000) [Nat. Genet. 25 (2000) 294]. Changes in gene profiles for chemosensory-related genes including olfactory and vomeronasal receptors, sensory transduction-associated proteins, and odor and pheromone transport molecules in the young SAMR and SAMP were compared with age-matched C57BL/6J mice. An analysis of known gene expression profiles suggests that changes in the expression of immune factor genes and genes associated with cell cycle progression and cell death were particularly prominent in the old SAM strains. A preliminary cellular validation study supported the dysregulation of cell cycle-related genes in the old SAM strains. The results of our initial study indicated that the use of the SAM models of aging could provide substantive information leading to a more fundamental understanding of the aging process in the chemosensory-nasal mucosa at the genomic, molecular, and cellular levels.

C-terminal fragment of amyloid precursor protein induces astrocytosis

One of the pathophysiological features of Alzheimer's disease is astrocytosis around senile plaques. Reactive astrocytes may produce proinflammatory mediators, nitric oxide, and subsequent reactive oxygen intermediates such as peroxynitrites. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of the C-terminal fragment of amyloid precursor protein (CT-APP), which is another constituent of amyloid senile plaque and an abnormal product of APP metabolism, as an inducer of astrocytosis. We report that 100 nM recombinant C-terminal 105 amino acid fragment (CT105) of APP induced astrocytosis morphologically and immunologically. CT105 exposure resulted in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways as well as transcription factor NF-kappaB. Pretreatment with PD098059 and/or SB203580 decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. But inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation did not affect MAPKs activation whereas they abolished NO production and attenuated astrocytosis. Furthermore, conditioned media derived from CT105-treated astrocytes enhanced neurotoxicity and pretreatment with NO and peroxynitrite scavengers attenuated its toxicity. These suggest that CT-APP may participate in Alzheimer's pathogenesis through MAPKs- and NF-kappaB-dependent astrocytosis and iNOS induction.

Senile ocular amyloidosis in SAM and BALB/c strains of mice

We investigated whether amyloid deposition can affect retinal atrophy in old SAMR1, SAMP1 and BALB/c mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that old SAMP1 mice showed the deposition of the murine senile amyloid protein fibril, AApoA-II in the subconjunctival tissue, the vessel walls near the chamber angle, and the sheaths of the external ocular muscles and the conjunctival glands, but was never observed in the retina or the choroid. Although the old SAMR1 mice also showed a remarkable loss of retinal photoreceptor and ganglion cells, they never showed any amyloid deposition. The BALB/c strain did not showed any amyloid deposition either. Our data suggest that atrophy of the retina is not related to senile systemic amyloidosis in mice.

Aging of blood-brain barrier and neuronal cells of eye and ear in SAM mice

The SAMP, Senescence-Accelerated Mouse strains show senescence acceleration and age-associated pathological phenotypes similar to geriatric disorders seen in humans. Among these strains, SAMP8 mice show age-associated deficits in learning and memory. Histopathological studies revealed various neurodegenerative changes in the brain, including age-associated appearance of spongiform degeneration in the brain stem and of PAS-positive granular structures in the hippocampus. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) function of SAMP8 mice was also impaired with advancing age. The compromised BBB function in the olfactory bulb, the hippocampus and the pons of SAMP8 mice coincided with and might have been the cause of some morphological changes. Age-associated degeneration of receptor cells and ganglion neurons in the retina and cochlea also occurred in the SAM mice. Oxidative stress partly caused by mitochondrial dysfunction was detected and may be a cause of the neuronal cell degeneration. The SAM strains are useful tool in the attempt to understand the mechanisms of age-dependent neurodegeneration and to develop clinical interventions.