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Melecchi A, Canovai A, Amato R, Dal Monte M, Filippi L, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Agonism of β3-Adrenoceptors Inhibits Pathological Retinal Angiogenesis in the Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:34. [PMID: 39186263 PMCID: PMC11361380 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.10.34] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In response to hypoxia, sympathetic fibers to the retina activate β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) that play an important role in the regulation of vascular and neuronal functions. We investigated the role of β3-AR using the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods Mouse pups were exposed to 75% oxygen at postnatal day 7 (PD7) followed by a return to room air at PD12. The β3-AR preferential agonist BRL37344 was subcutaneously administered once daily at different times after the return to room air. At PD17, the OIR mice underwent flash and pattern electroretinogram. After sacrifice, retinal wholemounts were used for vessel staining or immunohistochemistry for astrocytes, Müller cells, or retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In retinal homogenates, the levels of markers associated with neovascularization (NV), the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), or astrocytes were determined by western blot, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess β3-AR messenger. Administration of the β3-AR antagonist SR59230A was performed to verify BRL37344 selectivity. Results β3-AR expression is upregulated in response to hypoxia, but its increase is prevented by BRL37344, which counteracts NV by inhibiting the pro-angiogenic pathway, activating the anti-angiogenic pathway, recovering BRB-associated markers, triggering nitric oxide production, and favoring revascularization of the central retina through recovered density of astrocytes that ultimately counteracts NV in the midperiphery. Vasculature rescue prevents dysfunctional retinal activity and counteracts OIR-associated retinal ganglion cell loss. Conclusions β3-AR has emerged as a crucial intermediary in hypoxia-dependent NV, suggesting a role of β3-AR agonists in the treatment of proliferative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Liu G, Huang L, Tan J, Wang Y, Lan C, Chen Y, Mao Y, Wang X, Fan N, Zhu Y, Zhu X, Liu X. Characterization of a monkey model with experimental retinal damage induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050033. [PMID: 39056117 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal damage has been well studied in rodents, but the detailed mechanisms have not yet been characterized in nonhuman primates. Here, we characterized the retinal degenerative effects of NMDA on rhesus monkeys in vivo. NMDA saline or saline-only control was injected intravitreally to the randomly assigned eyes and contralateral eyes of four rhesus monkeys, respectively. The structural and functional changes of retina were characterized by optical coherence tomography and electroretinography on days 0, 4, 30 and 60 post injection. Both optic discs and macular areas of the NMDA-injected eyes initially presented with a transient retinal thickening, followed by continued retinal thinning. The initial, transient retinal thickening has also been observed in glaucoma patients, but this has not been reported in rodent NMDA models. This initial response was followed by loss of retina ganglion cells (RGCs), which is similar to glaucomatous optic neuropathy and other RGC-related retinal degenerations. The amplitudes of both the photopic negative response and pattern electroretinogram decreased significantly and remained low until the end of the study. Thus, the NMDA monkey model may serve as a more clinically relevant animal model of retinal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Longxiang Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, China
| | - Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Chunlin Lan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, China
| | - Yaxi Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Yukai Mao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, China
| | - Xizhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Yihua Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350005, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
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Marola OJ, MacLean M, Cossette TL, Diemler CA, Hewes AA, Reagan AM, Skelly DA, Howell GR. Genetic context modulates aging and degeneration in the murine retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589625. [PMID: 38659747 PMCID: PMC11042269 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Age is the principal risk factor for neurodegeneration in both the retina and brain. The retina and brain share many biological properties; thus, insights into retinal aging and degeneration may shed light onto similar processes in the brain. Genetic makeup strongly influences susceptibility to age-related retinal disease. However, studies investigating retinal aging have not sufficiently accounted for genetic diversity. Therefore, examining molecular aging in the retina across different genetic backgrounds will enhance our understanding of human-relevant aging and degeneration in both the retina and brain-potentially improving therapeutic approaches to these debilitating conditions. Methods Transcriptomics and proteomics were employed to elucidate retinal aging signatures in nine genetically diverse mouse strains (C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvlmJ, NZO/HlLtJ, WSB/EiJ, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhK, NOD/ShiLtJ, A/J, and BALB/cJ) across lifespan. These data predicted human disease-relevant changes in WSB and NZO strains. Accordingly, B6, WSB and NZO mice were subjected to human-relevant in vivo examinations at 4, 8, 12, and/or 18M, including: slit lamp, fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and pattern/full-field electroretinography. Retinal morphology, vascular structure, and cell counts were assessed ex vivo. Results We identified common molecular aging signatures across the nine mouse strains, which included genes associated with photoreceptor function and immune activation. Genetic background strongly modulated these aging signatures. Analysis of cell type-specific marker genes predicted age-related loss of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in WSB and NZO, respectively. Fundus exams revealed retinitis pigmentosa-relevant pigmentary abnormalities in WSB retinas and diabetic retinopathy (DR)-relevant cotton wool spots and exudates in NZO retinas. Profound photoreceptor dysfunction and loss were confirmed in WSB. Molecular analyses indicated changes in photoreceptor-specific proteins prior to loss, suggesting photoreceptor-intrinsic dysfunction in WSB. In addition, age-associated RGC dysfunction, loss, and concomitant microvascular dysfunction was observed in NZO mice. Proteomic analyses revealed an early reduction in protective antioxidant processes, which may underlie increased susceptibility to DR-relevant pathology in NZO. Conclusions Genetic context is a strong determinant of retinal aging, and our multi-omics resource can aid in understanding age-related diseases of the eye and brain. Our investigations identified and validated WSB and NZO mice as improved preclinical models relevant to common retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cory A. Diemler
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gareth R. Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
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Spurlock M, An W, Reshetnikova G, Wen R, Wang H, Braha M, Solis G, Kurtenbach S, Galindez OJ, de Rivero Vaccari JP, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Shestopalov VI. The Inflammasome-Dependent Dysfunction and Death of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Repetitive Intraocular Pressure Spikes. Cells 2023; 12:2626. [PMID: 37998361 PMCID: PMC10670000 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction and selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a known cause of vision loss in glaucoma and other neuropathies, where ocular hypertension (OHT) is the major risk factor. We investigated the impact of transient non-ischemic OHT spikes (spOHT) on RGC function and viability in vivo to identify cellular pathways linking low-grade repetitive mechanical stress to RGC pathology. We found that repetitive spOHT had an unexpectedly high impact on intraocular homeostasis and RGC viability, while exposure to steady OHT (stOHT) of a similar intensity and duration failed to induce pathology. The repetitive spOHT induced the rapid activation of the inflammasome, marked by the upregulation of NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2, caspases -1, -3/7, -8, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other cytokines into the vitreous. Similar effects were also detected after 5 weeks of exposure to chronic OHT in an induced glaucoma model. The onset of these immune responses in both spOHT and glaucoma models preceded a 50% deficit in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) amplitude and a significant loss of RGCs 7 days post-injury. The inactivation of inflammasome complexes in Nlrp1-/-, Casp1-/-, and GsdmD-/- knockout animals significantly suppressed the spOHT-induced inflammatory response and protected RGCs. Our results demonstrate that mechanical stress produced by acute repetitive spOHT or chronic OHT is mechanistically linked to inflammasome activation, which leads to RGC dysfunction and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Spurlock
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Weijun An
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Galina Reshetnikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Michelle Braha
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Gabriela Solis
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Stefan Kurtenbach
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Orlando J. Galindez
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Valery I. Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Feola AJ, Allen RS, Chesler KC, Pardue MT. Development of an Automated Electroretinography Analysis Approach. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 37943551 PMCID: PMC10637214 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Electroretinography (ERG) is used to assess retinal function in ophthalmology clinics and animal models of ocular disease; however, analyzing ERG waveforms can be a time-intensive process with interobserver variability. We developed ERGAssist, an automated approach, to perform non-subjective and repeatable feature identification ("marking") of the ERG waveform. Methods The automated approach denoised the recorded waveforms and then located the b-wave after applying a lowpass filter. If an a-wave was present, the lowpass filter wave was also used to help locate the a-wave, which was considered the initial large negative response after the flash stimuli. Oscillatory potentials (OPs) were found using a bandpass filter on the denoised waveform. We used two cohorts. One was a Coherence cohort that consisted of ERGs with eight dark-adapted and three light-adapted stimuli in Brown Norway rats (-6 to 1.5 log cd·s/m2). The Verification cohort consisted of control and diabetic (DM) Long Evans rats. We examined retinal function using a five-step dark-adapted protocol (-3 to 1.9 log cd·s/m2). Results ERGAssist showed a strong correlation with manual markings of ERG features in our Coherence dataset, including the amplitudes (a-wave: r2 = 0.99; b-wave: r2 = 0.99; OP: r2 = 0.92) and implicit times (a-wave: r2 = 0.96; b-wave: r2 = 0.90; OP: r2 = 0.96). In the Verification cohort, both approaches detected differences between control and DM animals and found longer OP implicit times (P < 0.0001) in DM animals. Conclusions These results provide verification of ERGAssist to identify features of the full-field ERG. Translational Relevance This ERG analysis approach can increase the rigor of basic science studies designed to investigate retinal function using full-field ERG. To aid the community, we have developed an open-source graphical user interface (GUI) implementing the methods presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Feola
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachael S. Allen
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyle C. Chesler
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Mao X, Stanbouly S, Holley J, Pecaut M, Crapo J. Evidence of Spaceflight-Induced Adverse Effects on Photoreceptors and Retinal Function in the Mouse Eye. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087362. [PMID: 37108526 PMCID: PMC10138634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to characterize acute oxidative damage in ocular structure and retinal function after exposure to spaceflight, and to evaluate the efficacy of an antioxidant in reducing spaceflight-induced changes in the retina. Ten-week-old adult C57BL/6 male mice were flown aboard the ISS on Space-X 24 over 35 days, and returned to Earth alive. The mice received a weekly injection of a superoxide dismutase mimic, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP 5+ (BuOE), before launch and during their stay onboard the ISS. Ground control mice were maintained on Earth under identical environmental conditions. Before the launch, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a handheld tonometer and retinal function was evaluated using electroretinogram (ERG). ERG signals were recorded when the mouse eye was under dark-adapted conditions in response to ultraviolet monochromatic light flashes. Within 20 h after splashdown, IOP and ERG assessments were repeated before euthanasia. There were significant increases in body weight for habitat control groups post-flight compared to pre-flight measurements. However, the body weights were similar among flight groups before launch and after splashdown. The IOP measurements were similar between pre- and post-flight groups with no significant differences between BuOE-treated and saline controls. Immunofluorescence evaluation showed increases in retinal oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death after spaceflight. BuOE treatment significantly decreased the level of the oxidative stress biomarker. ERG data showed that the average amplitudes of the a- and b-wave were significantly decreased (39% and 32% by spaceflight, respectively) compared to that of habitat ground controls. These data indicate that spaceflight conditions induce oxidative stress in the retina, which may lead to photoreceptor cell damage and retinal function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Seta Stanbouly
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Jacob Holley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Michael Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - James Crapo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
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Chou TH, Toft-Nielsen J, Porciatti V. High-Throughput Binocular Pattern Electroretinograms in the Mouse. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:147-153. [PMID: 37558969 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) reflects the electrical activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and has become the most used technology to assess RGC function in experimental models of glaucoma and optic neuropathies. We describe a novel method for obtaining user-friendly, robust PERG simultaneously from each eye using asynchronous binocular stimulation and one-channel acquisition of signals recorded from a subcutaneous needle in the snout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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8
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Lee PY, Zhao D, Wong VHY, Hoang A, Tran KKN, van Koeverden AK, Afiat BC, Nguyen CTO, Bui BV. Measuring the Full-Field Electroretinogram in Rodents. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:131-140. [PMID: 37558967 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Electroretinography allows for noninvasive functional assessment of the retina and is a mainstay for preclinical studies of retinal function in health and disease. The full-field electroretinogram is useful for a variety of applications as it returns a functional readout from each of the major cell classes within the retina: photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and retinal ganglion cells. Rodent models are commonly employed in ocular degeneration studies due to the fast throughput of these mammalian species and the conservation of the electroretinogram from the preclinic to the clinic. Here we describe approaches for in vivo electroretinography in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Ying Lee
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Da Zhao
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Vickie H Y Wong
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh Hoang
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Katie K N Tran
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna K van Koeverden
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brianna C Afiat
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine T O Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Van Hook MJ. Influences of Glaucoma on the Structure and Function of Synapses in the Visual System. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:842-861. [PMID: 35044228 PMCID: PMC9587776 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Glaucoma is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder of the visual system associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). It is the leading irreversible cause of vision loss worldwide, and vision loss results from damage and dysfunction of the retinal output neurons known as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent Advances: Elevated IOP and optic nerve injury triggers pruning of RGC dendrites, altered morphology of excitatory inputs from presynaptic bipolar cells, and disrupted RGC synaptic function. Less is known about RGC outputs, although evidence to date indicates that glaucoma is associated with altered mitochondrial and synaptic structure and function in RGC-projection targets in the brain. These early functional changes likely contribute to vision loss and might be a window into early diagnosis and treatment. Critical Issues: Glaucoma affects different RGC populations to varying extents and along distinct time courses. The influence of glaucoma on RGC synaptic function as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be determined. Since RGCs are an especially energetically demanding population of neurons, altered intracellular axon transport of mitochondria and mitochondrial function might contribute to RGC synaptic dysfunction in the retina and brain as well as RGC vulnerability in glaucoma. Future Directions: The mechanisms underlying differential RGC vulnerability remain to be determined. Moreover, the timing and mechanisms of RGCs synaptic dysfunction and degeneration will provide valuable insight into the disease process in glaucoma. Future work will be able to capitalize on these findings to better design diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to detect disease and prevent vision loss. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 842-861.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Ventrella D, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Elmi A, Barone F, Aniballi C, Muscatello LV, Mete M, Pertile G, Benfenati F, Bacci ML. The p-ERG spatial acuity in the biomedical pig under physiological conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15479. [PMID: 36104429 PMCID: PMC9474814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19925-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are becoming an important pre-clinical animal species for translational ophthalmology, due to similarities with humans in anatomical and physiological patterns. Different models of eye disorders have been proposed, and they are good candidates to assess biocompatibility/functionality of retinal prostheses. Electroretinography is a common tool allowing to gain information on retinal function, with several types of electroretinogram (ERG) been implemented including full field (ff-ERG), multifocal (mf-ERG) and pattern (p-ERG). p-ERG represents a valuable tool to monitor Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) activity and can be used to calculate p-ERG spatial acuity. Unfortunately, scarce methodological data are available regarding recording/interpretation of p-ERG and retinal acuity in biomedical pigs yet enhancing knowledge regarding pig vision physiology will allow for more refined and responsible use of such species. Aim of this study was to record p-ERG in juvenile pigs to functionally assess visual acuity. Six female hybrid pigs underwent two p-ERG recording sessions at 16 and 19 weeks of age. Photopic ff-ERG were also recorded; optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology were used to confirm retinal integrity. ff-ERG signals were repeatable within/across sessions. All p-ERG traces consistently displayed characterizing peaks, and the progressive decrease of amplitude in response to the increment of spatial frequency revealed the reliability of the method. Mean p-ERG spatial acuities were 5.7 ± 0.14 (16 weeks) and 6.2 ± 0.15 cpd (19 weeks). Overall, the p-ERG recordings described in the present work seem reliable and repeatable, and may represent an important tool when it comes to vision assessment in pigs.
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Ko MK, Woo JI, Gonzalez JM, Kim G, Sakai L, Peti-Peterdi J, Kelber JA, Hong YK, Tan JC. Fibrillin-1 mutant mouse captures defining features of human primary open glaucoma including anomalous aqueous humor TGF beta-2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10623. [PMID: 35739142 PMCID: PMC9226129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) features an optic neuropathy, elevated aqueous humor (AH) TGFβ2, and major risk factors of central corneal thickness (CCT), increasing age and intraocular pressure (IOP). We examined Tight skin (Tsk) mice to see if mutation of fibrillin-1, a repository for latent TGFβ, is associated with characteristics of human POAG. We measured: CCT by ocular coherence tomography (OCT); IOP; retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve axon counts by microscopic techniques; visual electrophysiologic scotopic threshold responses (STR) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG); and AH TGFβ2 levels and activity by ELISA and MINK epithelial cell-based assays respectively. Tsk mice had open anterior chamber angles and compared with age-matched wild type (WT) mice: 23% thinner CCT (p < 0.003); IOP that was higher (p < 0.0001), more asymmetric (p = 0.047), rose with age (p = 0.04) and had a POAG-like frequency distribution. Tsk mice also had RGCs that were fewer (p < 0.04), declined with age (p = 0.0003) and showed increased apoptosis and glial activity; fewer optic nerve axons (p = 0.02); abnormal axons and glia; reduced STR (p < 0.002) and PERG (p < 0.007) visual responses; and higher AH TGFβ2 levels (p = 0.0002) and activity (p = 1E-11) especially with age. Tsk mice showed defining features of POAG, implicating aberrant fibrillin-1 homeostasis as a pathogenic contributor to emergence of a POAG phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lynn Sakai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Janos Peti-Peterdi
- Departments of Physiology, Biophysics and Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Developmental Oncogene Laboratory, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James C Tan
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Sightgene, Inc., 9227 Reseda Blvd, #182, Northridge, CA, 91324-3137, USA.
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12
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Frame G, Schuller A, Smith MA, Crish SD, Dengler-Crish CM. Alterations in Retinal Signaling Across Age and Sex in 3xTg Alzheimer’s Disease Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:471-492. [PMID: 35599482 PMCID: PMC9398084 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220016] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Visual disturbances often precede cognitive dysfunction in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and may coincide with early accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein in the retina. These findings have inspired critical research on in vivo ophthalmic Aβ imaging for disease biomarker detection but have not fully answered mechanistic questions on how retinal pathology affects visual signaling between the eye and brain. Objective: The goal of this study was to provide a functional and structural assessment of eye-brain communication between retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their primary projection target, the superior colliculus, in female and male 3xTg-AD mice across disease stages. Methods: Retinal electrophysiology, axonal transport, and immunofluorescence were used to determine RGC projection integrity, and retinal and collicular Aβ levels were assessed with advanced protein quantitation techniques. Results: 3xTg mice exhibited nuanced deficits in RGC electrical signaling, axonal transport, and synaptic integrity that exceeded normal age-related decrements in RGC function in age- and sex-matched healthy control mice. These deficits presented in sex-specific patterns among 3xTg mice, differing in the timing and severity of changes. Conclusion: These data support the premise that retinal Aβ is not just a benign biomarker in the eye, but may contribute to subtle, nuanced visual processing deficits. Such disruptions might enhance the biomarker potential of ocular amyloid and differentiate patients with incipient AD from patients experiencing normal age-related decrements in visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Frame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Adam Schuller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Matthew A. Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Samuel D. Crish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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13
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Muir ER, Chandra SB, Narayanan D, Zhang V, Zhang I, Jiang Z, Kiel JW, Duong TQ. Effects of chronic mild hyperoxia on retinal and choroidal blood flow and retinal function in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266192. [PMID: 35333901 PMCID: PMC8956188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To test the hypothesis that mild chronic hyperoxia treatment would improve retinal function despite a progressive decline in ocular blood flow in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Materials and methods DBA/2J mice were treated with chronic mild hyperoxia (30% O2) beginning at 4.5 months of age or were untreated by giving normal room air. Retinal and choroidal blood flow (RBF and ChBF, respectively) were measured at 4, 6, and 9 months of age by MRI. Blood flow was additionally measured under hypercapnia challenge (5% CO2 inhalation) to assess vascular reactivity. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a rebound tonometer at the same time points. Scotopic flash electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded at 9 months of age. Results Both ChBF and RBF were reduced and significantly affected by age (p < 0.01), but neither were significantly affected by O2-treatment (p > 0.05). ChBF significantly increased in response to hypercapnia (p < 0.01), which was also unaffected by O2-treatment. Significant effects of age (p < 0.001) and of the interaction of age with treatment (p = 0.028) were found on IOP. IOP significantly decreased in O2-treated mice at 6 months compared to 4 months of age (p < 0.001), while IOP trended to increase with age in untreated mice. The amplitude of the b-wave from ERG was significantly increased in O2-treated DBA/2J compared to the untreated mice (p = 0.012), while the a-wave and oscillatory potentials were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study investigated the effects of chronic mild hyperoxia on retinal function and on retinal and choroidal blood flow in a mouse model of glaucoma. Retinal function was improved in the O2-treated mice at late stage, despite a progressive decline of RBF and ChBF with age that was comparable to untreated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Muir
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Saurav B. Chandra
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Divya Narayanan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Vincent Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Ike Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| | - Zhao Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey W. Kiel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Timothy Q. Duong
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
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14
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He Y, Tian H, Dai C, Wen R, Li X, Webster KA, Li W. Optimal Efficacy and Safety of Humanized Anti-Scg3 Antibody to Alleviate Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:350. [PMID: 35008775 PMCID: PMC8745183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a neovascular retinal disorder presenting in premature infants, is the leading causes of blindness in children. Currently, there is no approved drug therapy for ROP in the U.S., highlighting the urgent unmet clinical need for a novel therapeutic to treat the disease. Secretogranin III (Scg3) was recently identified as a disease-selective angiogenic factor, and Scg3-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies were reported to alleviate pathological retinal neovascularization in mouse models. In this study, we characterized the efficacy and safety of a full-length humanized anti-Scg3 antibody (hAb) to ameliorate retinal pathology in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice, a surrogate model of ROP, by implementing histological and functional analyses. Our results demonstrate that the anti-Scg3 hAb outperforms the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor aflibercept in terms of efficacy and safety to treat OIR mice. Our findings support the development of anti-Scg3 hAb for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (Y.H.); (C.D.); (R.W.); (K.A.W.)
| | - Hong Tian
- Everglades Biopharma, LLC, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Chang Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (Y.H.); (C.D.); (R.W.); (K.A.W.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rong Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (Y.H.); (C.D.); (R.W.); (K.A.W.)
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300392, China;
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (Y.H.); (C.D.); (R.W.); (K.A.W.)
- Everglades Biopharma, LLC, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (Y.H.); (C.D.); (R.W.); (K.A.W.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Zhang J, Gao F, Ma Y, Xue T, Shen Y. Identification of early-onset photoreceptor degeneration in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. iScience 2021; 24:103327. [PMID: 34805789 PMCID: PMC8581578 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Light sensitivity of the vertebrate retina relies on the integrity of photoreceptors, including rods and cones. Research in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in AD transgenic mice reports that accumulated amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the retina are toxic to retinal neurons. Moreover, Aβ plaques are deposited around the rods and cones, yet photoreceptor anomalies remain unclear in AD. Here, we identify the progressive degeneration of rods and cones characterized by impaired expression of phototransduction proteins, morphological alterations, functional deficits, and even cell loss. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cell senescence and necroptosis were involved in rod degeneration. Importantly, using in vivo scotopic electroretinogram, we detected rod degeneration in early-stage AD transgenic mice before Aβ plaques were observed in the brain. Moreover, we demonstrate that rod degeneration was among the earliest AD retinal manifestations compared with other types of retinal neurons. Overall, our study is the first to identify and detect in vivo, early-onset photoreceptor degeneration in AD. Progressive rod degeneration has been identified in AD transgenic mice Cell senescence and necroptosis were involved in rod degeneration Rod degeneration can be detected by in vivo scotopic electroretinogram Rod degeneration has earlier onset than amyloid-β plaques in the brain
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuqian Ma
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Eye Center at The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Eye Center at The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Corresponding author
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16
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Lazzara F, Amato R, Platania CBM, Conti F, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Drago F, Bucolo C. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 protects retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:206. [PMID: 34530842 PMCID: PMC8444391 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by loss of function and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. Neuroinflammation is recognized as one of the causes of glaucoma, and currently no treatment is addressing this mechanism. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcitriol), in a genetic model of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration (DBA/2J mice). METHODS DBA/2J mice were randomized to 1,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle treatment groups. Pattern electroretinogram, flash electroretinogram, and intraocular pressure were recorded weekly. Immunostaining for RBPMS, Iba-1, and GFAP was carried out on retinal flat mounts to assess retinal ganglion cell density and quantify microglial and astrocyte activation, respectively. Molecular biology analyses were carried out to evaluate retinal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, pNFκB-p65, and neuroprotective factors. Investigators that analysed the data were blind to experimental groups, which were unveiled after graph design and statistical analysis, that were carried out with GraphPad Prism. Several statistical tests and approaches were used: the generalized estimated equations (GEE) analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS DBA/2J mice treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 5 weeks showed improved PERG and FERG amplitudes and reduced RGCs death, compared to vehicle-treated age-matched controls. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment decreased microglial and astrocyte activation, as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines and pNF-κB-p65 (p < 0.05). Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated DBA/2J mice displayed increased mRNA levels of neuroprotective factors (p < 0.05), such as BDNF. CONCLUSIONS 1,25(OH)2D3 protected RGCs preserving retinal function, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and increasing expression of neuroprotective factors. Therefore, 1,25(OH)2D3 could attenuate the retinal damage in glaucomatous patients and warrants further clinical evaluation for the treatment of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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17
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Early Functional Impairment in Experimental Glaucoma Is Accompanied by Disruption of the GABAergic System and Inceptive Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147581. [PMID: 34299211 PMCID: PMC8306430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor. We aimed to determine if early functional and molecular differences in the glaucomatous retina manifest before significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is apparent. Adenoviral vectors expressing a pathogenic form of myocilin (Ad5.MYOC) were used to induce IOP elevation in C57BL/6 mice. IOP and pattern electroretinograms (pERG) were recorded, and retinas were prepared for RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, or to determine RGC loss. Ocular injection of Ad5.MYOC leads to reliable IOP elevation, resulting in significant loss of RGC after nine weeks. A significant decrease in the pERG amplitude was evident in eyes three weeks after IOP elevation. Retinal gene expression analysis revealed increased expression for 291 genes related to complement cascade, inflammation, and antigen presentation in hypertensive eyes. Decreased expression was found for 378 genes associated with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic systems and axon guidance. These data suggest that early functional changes in RGC might be due to reduced GABAA receptor signaling and neuroinflammation that precedes RGC loss in this glaucoma model. These initial changes may offer new targets for early detection of glaucoma and the development of new interventions.
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18
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Risner ML, Pasini S, McGrady NR, D’Alessandro KB, Yao V, Cooper ML, Calkins DJ. Neuroprotection by Wld S depends on retinal ganglion cell type and age in glaucoma. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:36. [PMID: 34090501 PMCID: PMC8180099 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early challenges to axonal physiology, active transport, and ultrastructure are endemic to age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including those affecting the optic nerve. Chief among these, glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss through sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) that challenges retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, which comprise the optic nerve. Early RGC axonopathy includes distal to proximal progression that implicates a slow form of Wallerian degeneration. In multiple disease models, including inducible glaucoma, expression of the slow Wallerian degeneration (WldS) allele slows axon degeneration and confers protection to cell bodies. METHODS Using an inducible model of glaucoma along with whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology and morphological analysis, we tested if WldS also protects RGC light responses and dendrites and, if so, whether this protection depends upon RGC type. We induced glaucoma in young and aged mice to determine if neuroprotection by WldS on anterograde axonal transport and spatial contrast acuity depends on age. RESULTS We found WldS protects dendritic morphology and light-evoked responses of RGCs that signal light onset (αON-Sustained) during IOP elevation. However, IOP elevation significantly reduces dendritic complexity and light responses of RGCs that respond to light offset (αOFF-Sustained) regardless of WldS. As expected, WldS preserves anterograde axon transport and spatial acuity in young adult mice, but its protection is significantly limited in aged mice. CONCLUSION The efficacy of WldS in conferring protection to neurons and their axons varies by cell type and diminishes with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Silvia Pasini
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Karis B. D’Alessandro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Vincent Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Melissa L. Cooper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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Modeling Retinal Ganglion Cell Dysfunction in Optic Neuropathies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061398. [PMID: 34198840 PMCID: PMC8227951 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies cellular dysfunction often precedes cell death, the assessment of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function represents a key outcome measure for neuroprotective strategies aimed at targeting distressed but still viable cells. RGC dysfunction can be assessed with the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive measure of electrical activity of RGCs that is recorded non-invasively in human subjects and mouse models. Here, we offer a conceptual framework based on an intuitive state-transition model used for disease management in patients to identify progressive, potentially reversible stages of RGC dysfunction leading to cell death in mouse models of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. We provide mathematical equations to describe state-transitions with a set of modifiable parameters that alter the time course and severity of state-transitions, which can be used for hypothesis testing and fitting experimental PERG data. PERG dynamics as a function of physiological stimuli are also used to differentiate phenotypic and altered RGC response dynamics, to assess susceptibility to stressors and to assess reversible dysfunction upon pharmacological treatment.
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20
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Tribble JR, Hui F, Jöe M, Bell K, Chrysostomou V, Crowston JG, Williams PA. Targeting Diet and Exercise for Neuroprotection and Neurorecovery in Glaucoma. Cells 2021; 10:295. [PMID: 33535578 PMCID: PMC7912764 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In glaucoma, a progressive dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells occurs, eliminating transfer of visual information to the brain. Currently, the only available therapies target the lowering of intraocular pressure, but many patients continue to lose vision. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that metabolic deficiencies and defects may play an important role in glaucoma pathophysiology. While pre-clinical studies in animal models have begun to mechanistically uncover these metabolic changes, some existing clinical evidence already points to potential benefits in maintaining metabolic fitness. Modifying diet and exercise can be implemented by patients as an adjunct to intraocular pressure lowering, which may be of therapeutic benefit to retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
| | - Flora Hui
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; (F.H.); (J.G.C.)
- Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Melissa Jöe
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
| | - Katharina Bell
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Vicki Chrysostomou
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jonathan G. Crowston
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; (F.H.); (J.G.C.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
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Harder JM, Williams PA, Braine CE, Yang HS, Thomas JM, Foxworth NE, John SWM, Howell GR. Complement peptide C3a receptor 1 promotes optic nerve degeneration in DBA/2J mice. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:336. [PMID: 33176797 PMCID: PMC7656757 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of glaucoma increases significantly with age and exposure to elevated intraocular pressure, two factors linked with neuroinflammation. The complement cascade is a complex immune process with many bioactive end-products, including mediators of inflammation. Complement cascade activation has been shown in glaucoma patients and models of glaucoma. However, the function of complement-mediated inflammation in glaucoma is largely untested. Here, the complement peptide C3a receptor 1 was genetically disrupted in DBA/2J mice, an ocular hypertensive model of glaucoma, to test its contribution to neurodegeneration. METHODS A null allele of C3ar1 was backcrossed into DBA/2J mice. Development of iris disease, ocular hypertension, optic nerve degeneration, retinal ganglion cell activity, loss of RGCs, and myeloid cell infiltration in C3ar1-deficient and sufficient DBA/2J mice were compared across multiple ages. RNA sequencing was performed on microglia from primary culture to determine global effects of C3ar1 on microglia gene expression. RESULTS Deficiency in C3ar1 lowered the risk of degeneration in ocular hypertensive mice without affecting intraocular pressure elevation at 10.5 months of age. Differences were found in the percentage of mice affected, but not in individual characteristics of disease progression. The protective effect of C3ar1 deficiency was then overcome by additional aging and ocular hypertensive injury. Microglia and other myeloid-derived cells were the primary cells identified that express C3ar1. In the absence of C3ar1, microglial expression of genes associated with neuroinflammation and other immune functions were differentially expressed compared to WT. A network analysis of these data suggested that the IL10 signaling pathway is a major interaction partner of C3AR1 signaling in microglia. CONCLUSIONS C3AR1 was identified as a damaging neuroinflammatory factor. These data help suggest complement activation causes glaucomatous neurodegeneration through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation. Microglia and infiltrating myeloid cells expressed high levels of C3ar1 and are the primary candidates to mediate its effects. C3AR1 appeared to be a major regulator of microglia reactivity and neuroinflammatory function due to its interaction with IL10 signaling and other immune related pathways. Targeting myeloid-derived cells and C3AR1 signaling with therapies is expected to add to or improve neuroprotective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pete A Williams
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catherine E Braine
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Simon W M John
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, and Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Gareth R Howell
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA.
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.
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22
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Yang X, Zeng Q, Barış M, Tezel G. Transgenic inhibition of astroglial NF-κB restrains the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative outcomes of experimental mouse glaucoma. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:252. [PMID: 32859212 PMCID: PMC7456390 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glia-driven neuroinflammation promotes neuron injury in glaucoma that is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Although therapeutic modulation of neuroinflammation is increasingly viewed as a logical strategy to avoid inflammatory neurotoxicity in glaucoma, current understanding of the molecular regulation of neuroinflammation is incomplete, and the molecular targets for immunomodulation remains unknown. Growing datasets pointed to nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), a key transcriptional activator of inflammation, which was identified to be most affected in glaucomatous astroglia. Using a cell type-specific experimental approach, this study aimed to determine the value of astroglial NF-κB as a potential treatment target for immunomodulation in experimental mouse glaucoma. METHODS Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative outcomes of experimental glaucoma were comparatively analyzed in mice with or without cre/lox-based conditional deletion of astroglial IκKβ, which is the main activating kinase involved in IκB degradation through the canonical pathway of NF-κB activation. Glial responses and the inflammatory status of the retina and optic nerve were analyzed by cell morphology and cytokine profiling, and neuron structure and function were analyzed by counting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and somas and recording pattern electroretinography (PERG) responses. RESULTS Analysis of glial inflammatory responses showed immunomodulatory outcomes of the conditional transgenic deletion of IκKβ in astroglia. Various pro-inflammatory cytokines known to be transcriptional targets for NF-κB exhibited decreased production in IκKβ-deleted astroglia, which included TNF-α that can induce RGC apoptosis and axon degeneration during glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Indeed, transgenic modulation of inflammatory responses by astroglial IκKβ deletion reduced neurodegeneration at different neuronal compartments, including both RGC axons and somas, and protected PERG responses. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support a key role for astroglial NF-κB in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative outcomes of experimental glaucoma and the potential of this transcriptional regulator pathway as a glial treatment target to provide neuroprotection through immunomodulation. By pointing to a potential treatment strategy targeting the astroglia, these experimental findings are promising for future clinical translation through transgenic applications to improve the treatment of this blinding disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Qun Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Mine Barış
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gülgün Tezel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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23
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Romano GL, Amato R, Lazzara F, Porciatti V, Chou TH, Drago F, Bucolo C. P2X7 receptor antagonism preserves retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114199. [PMID: 32798466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of P2X7 receptor to preserve retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) structure and function in a genetic mouse model (DBA/2J mouse) of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Chronic treatment with P2X7 receptor antagonist eye drops was carried out in order to assess RGCs function and density by pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and RBPMS immunostaining, respectively. Further, microglia activation was assessed in flat-mounted retina by using Iba-1 immunostaining. Untreated glaucomatous eyes displayed significant microglia activation, alteration of PERG signal, and RGCs loss. In the P2X7 receptor antagonist-treated eyes, the PERG signal was significantly (p < 0.05) improved compared to controls, along with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in terms of retinal microglial activation, and remarkable preservation of RGCs density. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that topical treatment with a P2X7 receptor antagonist has a neuroprotective effect on RGCs in glaucomatous mice, suggesting an appealing pharmacological approach to prevent retinal degenerative damage in optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Romano
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Filippo Drago
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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24
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Gramlich OW, Brown AJ, Godwin CR, Chimenti MS, Boland LK, Ankrum JA, Kardon RH. Systemic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment Mitigates Structural and Functional Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:16. [PMID: 32855863 PMCID: PMC7422913 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.8.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy efficacy on rescuing the visual system in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to provide new mechanistic insights. Methods EAE was induced in female C57BL6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55, complete Freund's adjuvant, and pertussis toxin. The findings were compared to sham-immunized mice. Half of the EAE mice received intraperitoneally delivered stem cells (EAE + MSC). Clinical progression was monitored according to a five-point EAE scoring scheme. Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were measured 32 days after induction. Retinas were harvested to determine retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density and prepared for RNA-sequencing. Results EAE animals that received MSC treatment seven days after EAE induction showed significantly lower motor-sensory impairment, improvement in the PERG amplitude, and preserved RNFL. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data demonstrated statistically significant differences in gene expression in the retina of MSC-treated EAE mice. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for pathways involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress, endothelial cell differentiation, HIF-1 signaling, and cholesterol transport in the MSC-treated EAE group. Conclusions Systemic MSC treatment positively affects RGC function and survival in EAE mice. Better cholesterol handling by increased expression of Abca1, the cholesterol efflux regulatory protein, paired with the resolution of HIF-1 signaling activation might explain the improvements seen in PERG of EAE animals after MSC treatment. Translational Relevance Using MSC therapy in a mouse model of MS, we discovered previously unappreciated biochemical pathways associated with RGC neuroprotection, which have the potential to be pharmacologically targeted as a new treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Gramlich
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexander J Brown
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cheyanne R Godwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael S Chimenti
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lauren K Boland
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering College, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - James A Ankrum
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering College, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
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25
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Valdivia A, Agarwal PK, Bhattacharya SK. Myelin Basic Protein Phospholipid Complexation Likely Competes with Deimination in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:15454-15467. [PMID: 32637820 PMCID: PMC7331039 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis has complex pathogenesis encompassing a variety of components (immunologic, genetic, and environmental). The autoimmunogenicity against the host's myelin basic protein is a major contributor. An increase in myelin basic protein deimination (a post-translational modification) and a change in phospholipid composition have been associated with multiple sclerosis. The interaction of myelin basic protein with phospholipids in the myelin membrane is an important contributor to the stability and maintenance of proper myelin sheath function. The study of this aspect of multiple sclerosis is an area that has yet to be fully explored and that the present study seeks to understand. Several biochemical methods, a capillary electrophoresis coupled system and mass spectrometry, were used in this study. These methods identified four specific phospholipids complexing with myelin basic protein. We show that lysophosphatidylcholine 18:1 provides a robust competitive effect against hyper-deimination. Our data suggest that lysophosphatidylcholine 18:1 has a different biochemical behavior when compared to other phospholipids and lysophosphatidylcholines 14:0, 16:0, and 18:0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anddre
Osmar Valdivia
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Neuroscience
Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Pratul K. Agarwal
- Department
of Biochemistry & Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department of Physiological
Sciences andHigh Performance Computing Center, Oklahoma
State University, Stillwater, 106 Math Sciences, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-1010, United States
| | - Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya
- Department
of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Neuroscience
Graduate Program, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
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26
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Targeted Krüppel-Like Factor 4 Gene Knock-Out in Retinal Ganglion Cells Improves Visual Function in Multiple Sclerosis Mouse Model. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0320-19.2020. [PMID: 32165410 PMCID: PMC7139550 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0320-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal demyelination injury and neuronal degeneration are the primary causes of visual disability in multiple sclerosis (MS)-linked optic neuritis patients. Immunomodulatory therapies targeting inflammation have failed to avert the disease progression and no therapies exist to prevent the neuronal deficits seen in MS to date. Neuroprotective strategies targeting oligodendrocytes and astroglia have shown limited success due to a lack of axonal regeneration from injured neurons. In this study, we used the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS to investigate the axonal regenerative approach to improve the neuronal function. Our approach focused on targeted knock-out (KO) of the developmentally regulated axon growth inhibitory Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) gene in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of Klf4fl/flmice by intravitreal delivery of AAV2-Cre-ires-EGFP recombinant virus (1) at the time of EAE sensitization and (2) after the onset of optic neuritis-mediated visual defects in the mice. Klf4 gene KO performed simultaneous with EAE sensitization prevented the visual loss as assessed by pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) in the mice and protected the RGCs from EAE-mediated death. More importantly, however, Klf4 gene KO after the onset of optic neuritis also resulted in RGC neuroprotection with additional restoration of their function, thereby improving the visual function outcomes in the EAE model. This study establishes the efficacy of Klf4 targeted knock-down in EAE even after the onset of disease symptoms, and thus should be further explored as a potential treatment strategy for MS/optic neuritis patients.
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27
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Abstract
Since ancient times, opioids have been used clinically and abused recreationally. In the early stages (about 1,000 AD) of opium history, an Arab physician, Avicenna, administered opioids to control diarrhea and eye diseases. 1 Opioids have very strong pain relieving properties and they also regulate numerous cellular responses. Opioid receptors are expressed throughout the body, including the nervous system, heart, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and retina. 2-6 Delta opioid receptors (DORs) are a very attractive target from the perspective of both receptor function and their therapeutic potential. Due to a rapid progress in mouse mutagenesis and development of small molecules as DOR agonist, novel functions and roles of DORs have emerged in recent years. This review article focuses on the recent advances in the neuroprotective roles of DOR agonists in general and retina neuroprotection in particular. Rather than being exhaustive, this review highlights the selected studies of DOR function in neuroprotection. We also highlight our preclinical studies using rodent models to demonstrate the potentials of DOR agonists for retinal neuroprotection. Based on existing literature and our recently published data on the eye, DOR agonists possess therapeutic abilities that protect the retina and optic nerve injury against glaucoma and perhaps other retinopathies as well. This review also highlights the signaling events associated with DOR for neuroprotection in the eye. There is a need for translational research on DORs to recognize their potential for clinical application such as in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Husain
- Hewitt Laboratory of the Ola B. Williams Glaucoma Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
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28
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Fisetin rescues retinal functions by suppressing inflammatory response in a DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Doc Ophthalmol 2019; 138:125-135. [PMID: 30756213 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-019-09676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is a common chronic neurodegenerative disease, which could lead to visual loss. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether fisetin, a natural flavone with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is able to alleviate glaucoma. METHODS We employed a DBA/2J mouse model which was treated with or without fisetin. Pattern electroretinogram (P-ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Western blotting was performed to assess the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). RESULTS We found that DBA/2J mice treated with fisetin (10-30 mg/kg) showed improved P-ERG and VEP amplitudes and reduced IOP compared to untreated DBA/2J mice. In addition, there were more survived retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and less activated microglia in fisetin-treated DBA/2J mice than those in untreated mice. Furthermore, secreted protein levels and mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly repressed by fisetin. The phosphorylated p65 level in the nucleus was dramatically reduced in fisetin-treated mice compared to it in untreated mice. Our results demonstrate that fisetin may exert its function through regulating cytokine productions and inhibiting NF-κB activation in the retina. CONCLUSION In conclusion, fisetin is able to promote the visual functions of DBA/2J mice by inhibiting NF-κB activation.
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29
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Zhu H, Zhang W, Zhao Y, Shu X, Wang W, Wang D, Yang Y, He Z, Wang X, Ying Y. GSK3β-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation triggers diabetic retinal neurodegeneration by disrupting synaptic and mitochondrial functions. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:62. [PMID: 30466464 PMCID: PMC6251088 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although diabetic retinopathy (DR) has long been considered as a microvascular disorder, mounting evidence suggests that diabetic retinal neurodegeneration, in particular synaptic loss and dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) may precede retinal microvascular changes. Key molecules involved in this process remain poorly defined. The microtubule-associated protein tau is a critical mediator of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect of tau, if any, in the context of diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration has yet to be ascertained. Here, we investigate the changes and putative roles of endogeneous tau in diabetic retinal neurodegeneration. Methods To this aim, we combine clinically used electrophysiological techniques, i.e. pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potential, and molecular analyses in a well characterized high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse diabetes model in vivo and primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro. Results We demonstrate for the first time that tau hyperphosphorylation via GSK3β activation causes vision deficits and synapse loss of RGCs in HFD-induced DR, which precedes retinal microvasculopathy and RGCs apoptosis. Moreover, intravitreal administration of an siRNA targeting to tau or a specific inhibitor of GSK3β reverses synapse loss and restores visual function of RGCs by attenuating tau hyperphosphorylation within a certain time frame of DR. The cellular mechanisms by which hyperphosphorylated tau induces synapse loss of RGCs upon glucolipotoxicity include i) destabilizing microtubule tracks and impairing microtubule-dependent synaptic targeting of cargoes such as mRNA and mitochondria; ii) disrupting synaptic energy production through mitochondria in a GSK3β-dependent manner. Conclusions Our study proposes mild retinal tauopathy as a new pathophysiological model for DR and tau as a novel therapeutic target to counter diabetic RGCs neurodegeneration occurring before retinal vasculature abnormalities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-018-0295-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhang Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingsheng Shu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Wencong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510064, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510064, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun He
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Shenzhen University Health Sciences Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China.
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30
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Jnk2 deficiency increases the rate of glaucomatous neurodegeneration in ocular hypertensive DBA/2J mice. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:705. [PMID: 29899326 PMCID: PMC6000001 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0705-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cJun N-terminal kinases (JNKs; JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3) promote degenerative processes after neuronal injury and in disease. JNK2 and JNK3 have been shown to promote retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death after optic nerve injury. In their absence, long-term survival of RGC somas is significantly increased after mechanical optic nerve injury. In glaucoma, because optic nerve damage is thought to be a major cause of RGC death, JNKs are an important potential target for therapeutic intervention. To assess the role of JNK2 and JNK3 in an ocular hypertensive model of glaucoma, null alleles of Jnk2 and Jnk3 were backcrossed into the DBA/2J (D2) mouse. JNK activation occurred in RGCs following increased intraocular pressure in D2 mice. However, deficiency of both Jnk2 and Jnk3 together did not lessen optic nerve damage or RGC death. These results differentiate the molecular pathways controlling cell death in ocular hypertensive glaucoma compared with mechanical optic nerve injury. It is further shown that JUN, a pro-death component of the JNK pathway in RGCs, can be activated in glaucoma in the absence of JNK2 and JNK3. This implicates JNK1 in glaucomatous RGC death. Unexpectedly, at younger ages, Jnk2-deficient mice were more likely to develop features of glaucomatous neurodegeneration than D2 mice expressing Jnk2. This appears to be due to a neuroprotective effect of JNK2 and not due to a change in intraocular pressure. The Jnk2-deficient context also unmasked a lesser role for Jnk3 in glaucoma. Jnk2 and Jnk3 double knockout mice had a modestly increased risk of neurodegeneration compared with mice only deficient in Jnk2. Overall, these findings are consistent with pleiotropic effects of JNK isoforms in glaucoma and suggest caution is warranted when using JNK inhibitors to treat chronic neurodegenerative conditions.
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31
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Pérez de Lara MJ, Guzmán-Aranguez A, Gómez-Villafuertes R, Gualix J, Miras-Portugal MT, Pintor J. Increased Ap 4A levels and ecto-nucleotidase activity in glaucomatous mice retina. Purinergic Signal 2018; 14:259-270. [PMID: 29948577 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-018-9612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of glaucoma involves numerous intracellular mechanisms including the purinergic system contribution. Furthermore, the presence and release of nucleotides and dinucleotides during the glaucomatous damage and the maintenance of degradation machinery through ecto-nucleotidase activity are participating in the modulation of the suitable extracellular complex balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and the pattern of ecto-nucleotidase activity expression in glaucomatous retinas during the progress the pathology. Ap4A levels were analyzed by HPLC in glaucomatous retinas from the DBA/2J mice at 3, 9, 15, and 23 months of age. For that, retinas were dissected as flattened whole-mounts and stimulated in Ringer buffer with or without 59 mM KCl. NPP1 expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot and its distribution was assessed by immunohistochemistry studies examined under confocal microscopy. Glaucomatous mice exhibited Ap4A values, which changed in stimulated retinas as long as the pathology progressed varying from 0.73 ± 0.04 (3 months) to 0.170 ± 0.05 pmol/mg retina (23 months). Concomitantly, NPP1 expression was significantly increased (82.15%) in the DBA/2J mice at 15 months. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies showed that NPP1 labeling was stronger in OPL and IPL labeling tangentially in the vitreal part of the retina and was upregulated at 15 months of age. Our findings demonstrate that Ap4A decreased levels may be related with exacerbated activity of NPP1 protein in glaucomatous degeneration and in this way contributing to elucidate different mechanisms involved in retinal impairment in glaucomatous degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Pérez de Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, c/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guzmán-Aranguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, c/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gómez-Villafuertes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Av/ Puerta del Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gualix
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Av/ Puerta del Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Miras-Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Av/ Puerta del Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Pintor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, c/Arcos de Jalón 118, 28037, Madrid, Spain.
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Dvoriantchikova G, Pronin A, Kurtenbach S, Toychiev A, Chou TH, Yee CW, Prindeville B, Tayou J, Porciatti V, Sagdullaev BT, Slepak VZ, Shestopalov VI. Pannexin 1 sustains the electrophysiological responsiveness of retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5797. [PMID: 29643381 PMCID: PMC5895610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms ATP-permeable membrane channels that play a key role in purinergic signaling in the nervous system in both normal and pathological conditions. In the retina, particularly high levels of Panx1 are found in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but the normal physiological function in these cells remains unclear. In this study, we used patch clamp recordings in the intact inner retina to show that evoked currents characteristic of Panx1 channel activity were detected only in RGCs, particularly in the OFF-type cells. The analysis of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) recordings indicated that Panx1 contributes to the electrical output of the retina. Consistently, PERG amplitudes were significantly impaired in the eyes with targeted ablation of the Panx1 gene in RGCs. Under ocular hypertension and ischemic conditions, however, high Panx1 activity permeated cell membranes and facilitated the selective loss of RGCs or stably transfected Neuro2A cells. Our results show that high expression of the Panx1 channel in RGCs is essential for visual function in the inner retina but makes these cells highly sensitive to mechanical and ischemic stresses. These findings are relevant to the pathophysiology of retinal disorders induced by increased intraocular pressure, such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Alexey Pronin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sarah Kurtenbach
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Abduqodir Toychiev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 156 William St., New York, NY, 10038, USA
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Christopher W Yee
- Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute, New York, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Breanne Prindeville
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Junior Tayou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Botir T Sagdullaev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 156 William St., New York, NY, 10038, USA
- Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute, New York, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Vladlen Z Slepak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Valery I Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Vavilov Institute for General Genetics, Gubkina Str. 3, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Abstract
Electroretinography is a crucial assay for studying the function and the functional integrity of the retina. The mouse is an important animal model for studying the retinal neurons and circuitries. In addition, it is often used as animal model for human retinal disorders. Therefore, a good understanding of the procedures in animal handling, of the methods for data analysis and of the requirements for stimulators and for the data acquisition equipment is of importance. Here, the currently most common methods and materials for in vivo electroretinography in the mouse are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Chou TH, Toft-Nielsen J, Porciatti V. High-Throughput Binocular Pattern Electroretinograms in the Mouse. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1695:63-68. [PMID: 29190018 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7407-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe a new method for obtaining user-friendly, robust pattern electroretinograms (PERG) simultaneously from each eye using asynchronous binocular stimulation and one-channel acquisition of signals recorded from a subcutaneous needle in the snout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, McKnight Vision Research Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Room 507A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, McKnight Vision Research Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Room 507A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Electroretinography in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: comparison of the pattern ERG and the photopic negative response. Doc Ophthalmol 2017; 136:45-55. [PMID: 29139045 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-017-9620-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between electrophysiological measures of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in patients who have idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). METHODS The pattern electroretinogram (pERG) and photopic negative response (PhNR) were recorded from 11 IIH patients and 11 age-similar controls. The pERG was elicited by a contrast-reversing checkerboard. The PhNR, a slow negative component following the flash ERG b-wave, was recorded in response to a long-wavelength flash presented against a short-wavelength adapting field. The PhNR was elicited using full-field (ffPhNR) and focal macular (fPhNR) stimuli. Additionally, Humphrey visual field mean deviation (HVF MD) was measured and ganglion cell complex volume (GCCV) was obtained by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS The ffPhNR, fPhNR, and pERG amplitudes were outside of the normal range in 45, 9, and 45% of IIH patients, respectively. However, only mean ffPhNR amplitude was reduced significantly in the patients compared to controls (p < 0.01). The pERG amplitude correlated significantly with HVF MD and GCCV (both r > 0.65, p < 0.05). There were associations between ffPhNR amplitude and HVF MD (r = 0.58, p = 0.06) and with GCCV (r = 0.52, p = 0.10), but these did not reach statistical significance. fPhNR amplitude was not correlated significantly with HVF MD or GCCV (both r < 0.40, p > 0.20). CONCLUSIONS Although the fPhNR is generally normal in IIH, other electrophysiological measures of RGC function, the ffPhNR and pERG, are abnormal in some patients. These measures provide complementary information regarding RGC dysfunction in these individuals.
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Harder JM, Braine CE, Williams PA, Zhu X, MacNicoll KH, Sousa GL, Buchanan RA, Smith RS, Libby RT, Howell GR, John SWM. Early immune responses are independent of RGC dysfunction in glaucoma with complement component C3 being protective. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3839-E3848. [PMID: 28446616 PMCID: PMC5441748 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1608769114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various immune response pathways are altered during early, predegenerative stages of glaucoma; however, whether the early immune responses occur secondarily to or independently of neuronal dysfunction is unclear. To investigate this relationship, we used the Wlds allele, which protects from axon dysfunction. We demonstrate that DBA/2J.Wlds mice develop high intraocular pressure (IOP) but are protected from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and neuroglial changes that otherwise occur early in DBA/2J glaucoma. Despite this, immune pathways are still altered in DBA/2J.Wlds mice. This suggests that immune changes are not secondary to RGC dysfunction or altered neuroglial interactions, but may be directly induced by the increased strain imposed by high IOP. One early immune response following IOP elevation is up-regulation of complement C3 in astrocytes of DBA/2J and DBA/2J.Wlds mice. Unexpectedly, because the disruption of other complement components, such as C1Q, is protective in glaucoma, C3 deficiency significantly increased the number of DBA/2J eyes with nerve damage and RGC loss at an early time point after IOP elevation. Transcriptional profiling of C3-deficient cultured astrocytes implicated EGFR signaling as a hub in C3-dependent responses. Treatment with AG1478, an EGFR inhibitor, also significantly increased the number of DBA/2J eyes with glaucoma at the same early time point. These findings suggest that C3 protects from early glaucomatous damage, a process that may involve EGFR signaling and other immune responses in the optic nerve head. Therefore, therapies that target specific components of the complement cascade, rather than global inhibition, may be more applicable for treating human glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xianjun Zhu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard T Libby
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | | | - Simon W M John
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111
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Smith AW, Rohrer B, Wheless L, Samantaray S, Ray SK, Inoue J, Azuma M, Banik NL. Calpain inhibition reduces structural and functional impairment of retinal ganglion cells in experimental optic neuritis. J Neurochem 2016; 139:270-284. [PMID: 27513991 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuritis (ON), inflammation of the optic nerve, is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis. ON pathology is characterized by attack of autoreactive T cells against optic nerve antigens, resulting in demyelination, death of retinal ganglion cells, and cumulative visual impairment. A model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was utilized to study the onset and progression of ON and the neuroprotective efficacy of oral treatment with the calpain inhibitor SNJ 1945. EAE was actively induced in B10.PL mice with myelin basic protein on Days 0 and 2, and mice received twice daily oral dosing of SNJ 1945 from Day 9 until sacrificing (Day 26). Visual function was determined by electroretinogram recordings and daily measurement of optokinetic responses (OKR) to a changing pattern stimulus. Optic nerve and retinal histopathology was investigated by immunohistochemical and luxol fast blue staining. EAE mice manifested losses in OKR thresholds, a measurement of visual acuity, which began early in the disease course. There was a significant bias toward unilateral OKR impairment among EAE-ON eyes. Treatment with SNJ 1945, initiated after the onset of OKR threshold decline, improved visual acuity, pattern electroretinogram amplitudes, and paralysis, with attenuation of retinal ganglion cell death. Furthermore, calpain inhibition spared oligodendrocytes, prevented degradation of axonal neurofilament protein, and attenuated reactive astrocytosis. The trend of early, unilateral visual impairment in EAE-ON parallels the clinical presentation of ON exacerbations associated with multiple sclerosis. Calpain inhibition may represent an ideal candidate therapy for the preservation of vision in clinical ON. As in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, optic neuritis (ON) and early, primarily monocular loss in spatial acuity is observed in a rodent model (EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis). Daily oral treatment with the calpain inhibitor SNJ 1945 preserves visual acuity and preserves retinal ganglion cells (Brn3a, brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A) and their axons (MOSP, myelin oligodendrocyte-specific protein). Calpain inhibition may represent a candidate therapy for the preservation of vision in ON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amena W Smith
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Baerbel Rohrer
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. .,Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Lee Wheless
- Medicine-Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Supriti Samantaray
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Swapan K Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Inoue
- Senju Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Naren L Banik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. .,Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut, USA. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. .,Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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38
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by intraneuronal inclusions of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and abnormal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key modulator of neuronal survival and function. The severity of both these pathological hallmarks correlate with the degree of cognitive impairment in patients. However, how tau pathology specifically modifies BDNF signaling and affects neuronal function during early prodromal stages of tauopathy remains unclear. Here, we report that the mild tauopathy developing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of the P301S tau transgenic (P301S) mouse induces functional retinal changes by disrupting BDNF signaling via the TrkB receptor. In adult P301S mice, the physiological visual response of RGCs to pattern light stimuli and retinal acuity decline significantly. As a consequence, the activity-dependent secretion of BDNF in the vitreous is impaired in P301S mice. Further, in P301S retinas, TrkB receptors are selectively upregulated, but uncoupled from downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling. We also show that the impairment of TrkB signaling is triggered by tau pathology and mediates the tau-induced dysfunction of visual response. Overall our results identify a neurotrophin-mediated mechanism by which tau induces neuronal dysfunction during prodromal stages of tauopathy and define tau-driven pathophysiological changes of potential value to support early diagnosis and informed therapeutic decisions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work highlights the potential molecular mechanisms by which initial tauopathy induces neuronal dysfunction. Combining clinically used electrophysiological techniques (i.e., electroretinography) and molecular analyses, this work shows that in a relevant model of early tauopathy, the retina of the P301S mutant human tau transgenic mouse, mild tau pathology results in functional changes of neuronal activity, likely due to selective impairment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor, TrkB. These findings may have important translational implications for early diagnosis in a subset of Alzheimer's disease patients with early visual symptoms and emphasize the need to clarify the pathophysiological changes associated with distinct tauopathy stages to support informed therapeutic decisions and guide drug discovery.
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39
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Yang BB, Yang X, Ding HY. Brain derived neurotrophic factor keeps pattern electroretinogram from dropping after superior colliculus lesion in mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:369-72. [PMID: 27158604 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.03.07] [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: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine if brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could offer protention to retinal ganglion cells following a superior colliculus (SC) lesion in mice using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a measures of ganglion cell response and retinal health. METHODS Seven C57BL/6J mice with BDNF protection were tested with PERG and OCT before and after SC lesions. RESULTS Compared with baseline PERG, the amplitude of PERG decreased 11.7% after SC lesions, but not significantly (P>0.05). Through fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of the PERGs before and after SC lesions, it was found that dominant frequency of PERGs stayed unchanged, suggesting that the ganglion cells of the retina remained relatively healthy inspite of damage to the ends of the ganglion cell axons. Also, OCT showed no changes in retinal thickness after lesions. CONCLUSION It was concluded that BDNF is essential component of normal retinal and helps retina keeping normal function. While retina lack of BDNF, ex vivo resource of BDNF provides protection to the sick retina. It implies that BDNF is a kind therapeutic neurotrophic factor to retina neurodegeneration diseases, such as glaucoma, age related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Department of Ophthalmology Key Laboratory, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Life Science School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huai-Yu Ding
- Life Science Department, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu Province, China
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40
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Trakhtenberg EF, Pita-Thomas W, Fernandez SG, Patel KH, Venugopalan P, Shechter JM, Morkin MI, Galvao J, Liu X, Dombrowski SM, Goldberg JL. Serotonin receptor 2C regulates neurite growth and is necessary for normal retinal processing of visual information. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:419-437. [PMID: 26999672 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5HT) is present in a subpopulation of amacrine cells, which form synapses with retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but little is known about the physiological role of retinal serotonergic circuitry. We found that the 5HT receptor 2C (5HTR2C) is upregulated in RGCs after birth. Amacrine cells generate 5HT and about half of RGCs respond to 5HTR2C agonism with calcium elevation. We found that there are on average 83 5HT+ amacrine cells randomly distributed across the adult mouse retina, all negative for choline acetyltransferase and 90% positive for tyrosine hydroxylase. We also investigated whether 5HTR2C and 5HTR5A affect RGC neurite growth. We found that both suppress neurite growth, and that RGCs from the 5HTR2C knockout (KO) mice grow longer neurites. Furthermore, 5HTR2C is subject to post-transcriptional editing, and we found that only the edited isoform's suppressive effect on neurite growth could be reversed by a 5HTR2C inverse agonist. Next, we investigated the physiological role of 5HTR2C in the retina, and found that 5HTR2C KO mice showed increased amplitude on pattern electroretinogram. Finally, RGC transcriptional profiling and pathways analysis suggested partial developmental compensation for 5HTR2C absence. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that 5HTR2C regulates neurite growth and RGC activity and is necessary for normal amplitude of RGC response to physiologic stimuli, and raise the hypothesis that these functions are modulated by a subset of 5HT+/ChAT-/TH+ amacrine cells as part of retinal serotonergic circuitry. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 419-437, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim F Trakhtenberg
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Wolfgang Pita-Thomas
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Stephanie G Fernandez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Karan H Patel
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Praseeda Venugopalan
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jesse M Shechter
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Melina I Morkin
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Joana Galvao
- Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Xiongfei Liu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Susan M Dombrowski
- Genomatix Software, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego, California.,Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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41
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Yang X, Gong B, Lu JW. Frequency spectrum might act as communication code between retina and visual cortex I. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:1107-11. [PMID: 26682156 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.06.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore changes and possible communication relationship of local potential signals recorded simultaneously from retina and visual cortex I (V1). METHODS Fourteen C57BL/6J mice were measured with pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and pattern visually evoked potential (PVEP) and fast Fourier transform has been used to analyze the frequency components of those signals. RESULTS The amplitude of PERG and PVEP was measured at about 36.7 µV and 112.5 µV respectively and the dominant frequency of PERG and PVEP, however, stay unchanged and both signals do not have second, or otherwise, harmonic generation. CONCLUSION The results suggested that retina encodes visual information in the way of frequency spectrum and then transfers it to primary visual cortex. The primary visual cortex accepts and deciphers the input visual information coded from retina. Frequency spectrum may act as communication code between retina and V1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- Life Science School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bo Gong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian-Wei Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, the Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine and School of Software Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
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42
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Integrative properties of retinal ganglion cell electrical responsiveness depend on neurotrophic support and genotype in the mouse. Exp Eye Res 2015; 145:68-74. [PMID: 26614910 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early stages of glaucoma and optic neuropathies are thought to show inner retina remodeling and functional changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) before they die. To assess RGC functional plasticity, we investigated the contrast-gain control properties of the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), a sensitive measure of RGC function, as an index of spatio-temporal integration occurring in the inner retina circuitry subserving PERG generators. We studied the integrative properties of the PERG in mice exposed to different conditions of neurotrophic support. We also investigated the effect of genotypic differences among mouse strains with different susceptibility to glaucoma (C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, DBA/2.Gpnmb(+)). Results show that the integrative properties of the PERG recorded in the standard C57BL/6J inbred mouse strain are impaired after deficit of neurotrophic support and partially restored after exogenous neurotrophic administration. Changes in PERG amplitude, latency, and contrast-dependent responses differ between mouse strains with different susceptibility to glaucoma. Results represent a proof of concept that the PERG could be used as a tool for in-vivo monitoring of RGC functional plasticity before RGC death, the effect of neuroactive treatments, as well as for high-throughput tool for phenotypic screening of different mouse genotypes.
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43
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Porciatti V. Electrophysiological assessment of retinal ganglion cell function. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:164-70. [PMID: 25998495 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can be non-invasively assessed in experimental and genetic models of glaucoma by means of variants of the ERG technique that emphasize the activity of inner retina neurons. The best understood technique is the Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG) in response to contrast-reversing gratings or checkerboards, which selectively depends on the presence of functional RGCs. In glaucoma models, the PERG can be altered before histological loss of RGCs; PERG alterations may be either reversed with moderate IOP lowering or exacerbated with moderate IOP elevation. Under particular luminance-stimulus conditions, the Flash-ERG displays components that may reflect electrical activity originating in the proximal retina and be altered in some experimental glaucoma models (positive Scotopic Threshold response, pSTR; negative Scotopic Threshold Response, nSTR; Photopic Negative Response, PhNR; Oscillatory Potentials, OPs; multifocal ERG, mfERG). It is not yet known which of these components is most sensitive to glaucomatous damage. Electrophysiological assessment of RGC function appears to be a necessary outcome measure in experimental glaucoma models, which complements structural assessment and may even predict it. Neuroprotective strategies could be tested based on enhancement of baseline electrophysiological function that results in improved RGC survival. The use of electrophysiology in glaucoma models may be facilitated by specifically designed instruments that allow high throughput, robust assessment of electrophysiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, McKnight Vision Research Center, 1638 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL 33136, United States.
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44
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Gao L, Chen X, Tang Y, Zhao J, Li Q, Fan X, Xu H, Yin ZQ. Neuroprotective effect of memantine on the retinal ganglion cells of APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice and its immunomodulatory mechanisms. Exp Eye Res 2015; 135:47-58. [PMID: 25912193 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Besides the cognitive impairment and degeneration in the brain, vision dysfunction and retina damage are always prevalent in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The uncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, memantine (MEM), has been proven to improve the cognition of patients with AD. However, limited information exists regarding the mechanism of neurodegeneration and the possible neuroprotective mechanisms of MEM on the retinas of patients with AD. In the present study, by using APPswe/PS1ΔE9 double transgenic (dtg) mice, we found that MEM rescued the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as well as improved visual impairments, including improving the P50 component in pattern electroretinograms and the latency delay of the P2 component in flash visual evoked potentials of APPswe/PS1ΔE9 dtg mice. The activated microglia in the retinas of APPswe/PS1ΔE9 dtg mice were also inhibited by MEM. Additionally, the level of glutamine synthetase expressed by Müller cells within the RGC layer was upregulated in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 dtg mice, which was inhibited by MEM. Simultaneously, MEM also reduced the apoptosis of choline acetyl transferase-immunoreactive cholinergic amacrine cells within the RGC layer of AD mice. Moreover, the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 was increased in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 dtg mice, which was blocked by MEM treatment. These findings suggest that MEM protects RGCs in the retinas of APPswe/PS1ΔE9 dtg mice by modulating the immune response of microglia and the adapted response of Müller cells, making MEM a potential ophthalmic treatment alternative in patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiong Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Yongping Tang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Retinal Neurodegeneration in db/db Mice at the Early Period of Diabetes. J Ophthalmol 2015; 2015:757412. [PMID: 25821591 PMCID: PMC4363796 DOI: 10.1155/2015/757412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. To describe both the functional and pathological alternations in neurosensory retina in a murine model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes (db/db mouse). Methods. db/db (BKS/DB-/-) mice and heterozygous littermates (as control group) at various ages (12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 weeks) were inspected with pattern electroretinogram (PERG), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Histological markers of neuroinflammation (IBA-1 and F4/80) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In addition, levels of retinal ganglion cell death were measured by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Results. Significant alternations of PERG responses and increased retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) apoptosis were observed in diabetic db/db mice for 20-week period when compared with control group. IBA-1 and F4/80 expression in microglia/macrophages became evidently for 24-week period, thus supporting the PERG findings. Furthermore, obvious thinning of nasal and dorsal retina in 28-week-old db/db mice was also revealed by OCT. No visible retinal microvascular changes were detected by FFA throughout the experiments on db/db mice. Conclusions. Diabetic retina underwent neurodegenerative changes in db/db mice, which happened at retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. But there was no obvious abnormality in retinal vasculature on db/db mice.
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Elevated intraocular pressure decreases response sensitivity of inner retinal neurons in experimental glaucoma mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:2593-8. [PMID: 25675503 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1419921112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and the world, characterized by progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Glaucoma patients exhibit an early diffuse loss of retinal sensitivity followed by focal loss of RGCs in sectored patterns. Recent evidence has suggested that this early sensitivity loss may be associated with dysfunctions in the inner retina, but detailed cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying such sensitivity changes are largely unknown. In this study, we use whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques to analyze light responses of individual bipolar cells (BCs), AII amacrine cells (AIIACs), and ON and sustained OFF alpha-ganglion cells (ONαGCs and sOFFαGCs) in dark-adapted mouse retinas with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). We present evidence showing that elevated IOP suppresses the rod ON BC inputs to AIIACs, resulting in less sensitive AIIACs, which alter AIIAC inputs to ONαGCs via the AIIAC→cone ON BC→ONαGC pathway, resulting in lower ONαGC sensitivity. The altered AIIAC response also reduces sOFFαGC sensitivity via the AIIAC→sOFFαGC chemical synapses. These sensitivity decreases in αGCs and AIIACs were found in mice with elevated IOP for 3-7 wk, a stage when little RGC or optic nerve degeneration was observed. Our finding that elevated IOP alters neuronal function in the inner retina before irreversible structural damage occurs provides useful information for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for glaucoma in human patients.
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Domenici L, Origlia N, Falsini B, Cerri E, Barloscio D, Fabiani C, Sansò M, Giovannini L. Rescue of retinal function by BDNF in a mouse model of glaucoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115579. [PMID: 25536045 PMCID: PMC4275209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision loss in glaucoma is caused by progressive dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve atrophy. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of BDNF treatment to preserve vision in a glaucoma experimental model. As an established experimental model, we used the DBA/2J mouse, which develops chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation that mimics primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). IOP was measured at different ages in DBA/2J mice. Visual function was monitored using the steady-state Pattern Electroretinogram (P-ERG) and visual cortical evoked potentials (VEP). RGC alterations were assessed using Brn3 immunolabeling, and confocal microscope analysis. Human recombinant BDNF was dissolved in physiological solution (0.9% NaCl); the effects of repeated intravitreal injections and topical eye BDNF applications were independently evaluated in DBA/2J mice with ocular hypertension. BDNF level was measured in retinal homogenate by ELISA and western blot. We found a progressive decline of P-ERG and VEP responses in DBA/2J mice between 4 and 7 months of age, in relationship with the development of ocular hypertension and the reduction of Brn3 immunopositive RGCs. Conversely, repeated intravitreal injections (BDNF concentration = 2 µg/µl, volume = 1 µl, for each injection; 1 injection every four days, three injections over two weeks) and topical eye application of BDNF eye-drops (12 µg/µl, 5 µl eye-drop every 48 h for two weeks) were able to rescue visual responses in 7 month DBA/2J mice. In particular, BDNF topical eye treatment recovered P-ERG and VEP impairment increasing the number of Brn3 immunopositive RGCs. We showed that BDNF effects were independent of IOP reduction. Thus, topical eye treatment with BDNF represents a promisingly safe and feasible strategy to preserve visual function and diminish RGC vulnerability to ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Domenici
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy; Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Nicola Origlia
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Policlinico Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerri
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Barloscio
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Fabiani
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Sansò
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Giovannini
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ragauskas S, Leinonen H, Puranen J, Rönkkö S, Nymark S, Gurevicius K, Lipponen A, Kontkanen O, Puoliväli J, Tanila H, Kalesnykas G. Early retinal function deficit without prominent morphological changes in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113317. [PMID: 25469887 PMCID: PMC4254453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the medium-size GABAergic neurons of striatum. The R6/2 mouse line is one of the most widely used animal models of HD. Previously the hallmarks of HD-related pathology have been detected in photoreceptors and interneurons of R6/2 mouse retina. Here we aimed to explore the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and functional integrity of distinct retinal cell populations in R6/2 mice. The pattern electroretinography (PERG) signal was lost at the age of 8 weeks in R6/2 mice in contrast to the situation in wild-type (WT) littermates. This defect may be attributable to a major reduction in photopic ERG responses in R6/2 mice which was more evident in b- than a-wave amplitudes. At the age of 4 weeks R6/2 mice had predominantly the soluble form of mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) in the RGC layer cells, whereas the aggregated form of mHtt was found in the majority of those cells from the 12-week-old R6/2 mice and onwards. Retinal astrocytes did not contain mHtt deposits. The total numbers of RGC layer cells, retinal astrocytes as well as optic nerve axons did not differ between 18-week-old R6/2 mice and their WT controls. Our data indicate that mHtt deposition does not cause RGC degeneration or retinal astrocyte loss in R6/2 mice even at a late stage of HD-related pathology. However, due to functional deficits in the rod- and cone-pathways, the R6/2 mice suffer progressive deficits in visual capabilities starting as early as 4 weeks; at 8 weeks there is severe impairment. This should be taken into account in any behavioral testing conducted in R6/2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Symantas Ragauskas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Department of Biochemistry, Vilnius, Lithuania
- State Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Experimentica Ltd., Kuopio, Finland
| | - Henri Leinonen
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jooseppi Puranen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Experimentica Ltd., Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Rönkkö
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, BioMediTech, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kestutis Gurevicius
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Lipponen
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | - Heikki Tanila
- Department of Neurobiology, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Giedrius Kalesnykas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Experimentica Ltd., Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
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Protective effects of astragaloside IV on db/db mice with diabetic retinopathy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112207. [PMID: 25411784 PMCID: PMC4239035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic eye disease which is well-known as the result of microvascular retinal changes. Although the potential biological functions of astragaloside IV (AS IV) have long been described in traditional system of medicine, its protective effect on DR remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of AS IV on type 2 diabetic db/db mice. METHODS Db/db mice were treated with AS IV (4.5 mg/kg or 9 mg/kg) or physiological saline by oral gavage for 20 weeks along with db/m mice. In each group, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function was measured by pattern electroretinogram (ERG) and apoptosis was determined by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Blood and retina aldose reductase (AR) activity were quantified by chemiluminescence analysis. The expressions of phosporylated-ERK1/2, NF-κB were determined by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression of related downstream proteins were quantified by Label-based Mouse Antibody Array. RESULTS Administration of AS IV significantly improved the amplitude in pattern ERG and reduced the apoptosis of RGCs.in db/db mice. Furthermore, downregulation of AR activity, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, NF-κB and related cytokine were observed in AS IV treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that AS IV, as an inhibitor of AR, could prevent the activation of ERK1/2 phosporylation and NF-kB and further relieve the RGCs disfunction in db/db mice with DR. It has provided a basis for investigating the clinical efficacy of AR inhibitors in preventing DR.
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Khan AK, Tse DY, van der Heijden ME, Shah P, Nusbaum DM, Yang Z, Wu SM, Frankfort BJ. Prolonged elevation of intraocular pressure results in retinal ganglion cell loss and abnormal retinal function in mice. Exp Eye Res 2014; 130:29-37. [PMID: 25450059 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of prolonged intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation on retinal anatomy and function in a mouse model of experimental glaucoma. IOP was elevated by anterior chamber injection of a fixed combination of polystyrene beads and sodium hyaluronate, and maintained via re-injection after 24 weeks. IOP was measured weekly with a rebound tonometer for 48 weeks. Histology was assessed with a combination of retrograde labeling and antibody staining. Retinal physiology and function was assessed with dark-adapted electroretinograms (ERGs). Comparisons between bead-injected animals and various controls were conducted at both 24 and 48 weeks after bead injection. IOP was elevated throughout the study. IOP elevation resulted in a reduction of retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) and an increase in axial length at both 24 and 48 weeks after bead injection. The b-wave amplitude of the ERG was increased to the same degree in bead-injected eyes at both time points, similar to previous studies. The positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR) amplitude, a measure of RGC electrical function, was diminished at both 24 and 48 weeks when normalized to the increased b-wave amplitude. At 48 weeks, the pSTR amplitude was reduced even without normalization, suggesting more profound RGC dysfunction. We conclude that injection of polystyrene beads and sodium hyaluronate causes chronic IOP elevation which results in phenotypes of stable b-wave amplitude increase and progressive pSTR amplitude reduction, as well as RGC loss and axial length elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kareem Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dennis Y Tse
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Priya Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Derek M Nusbaum
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samuel M Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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