Alleviation of constant-light-induced photoreceptor degeneration by adaptation of adult albino rat to bright cyclic light

PURPOSE: To further test the hypothesis that light-adaptation-mediated photoreceptor protection works through inhibition of apoptosis by activation and/or upregulation of neuroprotective molecules. METHODS: Albino rats were born and raised in 5-lux cyclic light (12 hours OFF and ON). At 8 weeks of age, animals were adapted to 400-lux cyclic light for different periods. Light damage was induced by exposure to constant light for 1 day at an illumination of 1700 lux. Animals were killed, and their eyes were removed for morphometric and biochemical analysis. TUNEL assay was used to evaluate photoreceptor cell apoptosis and Western blot analyses were used to determine the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and caspase-3. RESULTS: Exposure of dim-reared rats to constant light for 1 day dramatically increased TUNEL-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer. Adaptation to 400-lux bright cyclic light for 4 days significantly reduced TUNEL-positive cells induced by exposure to constant light, which correlated with a significant increase in bFGF expression. Compared with control retinas, caspase-3 levels were not changed by exposure to constant light or after adaptation to 400 lux. There was a significant increase in nNOS level in the constant-light-exposed group, but not in the group adapted to 400-lux bright light before exposure to constant light. CONCLUSIONS: The retina of the adult rat can rapidly upregulate neuroprotective mechanisms when switched from dim to bright cyclic light. Identification of the molecules involved in this process may allow rational development of therapeutic approaches to treat retinal degenerative diseases.     

色素上皮衍生因子对视网膜光损伤保护作用的体内研究

目的:探讨色素上皮衍生因子(pigment epithelium derived factor,PEDF)对光损伤的视网膜感光细胞的作用。方法:Sprague Dawley(SD)鼠右眼玻璃体腔内注射PEDF,左眼注射磷酸盐缓冲液(phosphate buffered solution,PBS)作对照。注射2d后将SD鼠置于1000~1400lx弥散白色冷荧光灯下连续光照2,5,7d后分别行ERG检查和组织学分析。结果:连续光照2,5,7d后,PEDF处理组与PBS对照组的外核层(outer nuclear layer,ONL)厚度及ERGb波振幅均呈逐渐下降趋势,统计学分析两组差别具有显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论:PEDF对光损伤的视网膜感光细胞具有保护作用。     

Photoreceptor protection against constant light-induced damage by isopropyl unoprostone, a prostaglandin F(2alpha) metabolite-related compound.

Some of the antiglaucoma drugs have shown neuroprotective effects in ischemic retinal damage and optic nerve injury. We studied photoreceptor protection against constant light-induced damage using isopropyl unoprostone, a prostaglandin F(2alpha) metabolite-related compound. Albino Sprague-Dawley rats were administered isopropyl unoprostone solution intravitreally in one eye (the test eye) and vehicle alone in the contralateral eye (the control eye) and were exposed to constant light for 7 days. Histological examinations were performed to evaluate photoreceptor protection by quantifying the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and scoring the rescue of ONL. Seven-day constant light affected photoreceptors and produced a marked disruption of photoreceptor outer segments and inner segments and a decrease in the thickness of the ONL. As compared with control eyes, pretreatment by intravitreal administration of isopropyl unoprostone 2 days prior to constant light exposure provided protection from the light insult, and the effects of rescue were dependent on the dose of the agent (0.6-6.0 microg), the maximum dose protecting about 70% of the photoreceptors. Topical application of the drug had little rescue effect. Aberrant macrophages in light-exposed eyes with unoprostone injection were more numerous than in normal eyes, but the extent did not differ significantly from that of degenerated eyes injected with vehicle only. Isopropyl unoprostone has shown protection of photoreceptors against constant light-induced damage, and it is thus suggested that the agent has neuroprotective activity in vivo.     

Protection of photoreceptor cells in adult rats from light-induced degeneration by adaptation to bright cyclic light

Light history has been shown to affect the susceptibility of the albino rat retina to the damaging effects of constant light exposure. Retinas of animals raised in relatively bright cyclic light are protected against light-induced degeneration compared with dim-reared animals. These effects were observed in animals raised from birth in bright cyclic light and are part of an adaptive response that protects photoreceptors from stress-induced degeneration. To determine if retinas of adult animals are capable of such adaptive changes or flexibility by switching between different light environments which do not pathologically damage photoreceptor cells, albino rats were maintained in less than 250 lux cyclic light for more than 3 weeks. At 12-13 weeks of age, they were placed into 800 lux cyclic light for 1 week, after which they were exposed to constant illumination of 1500-lux for 1, 3 or 7 days. Retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography and photoreceptor cell death was quantified by measuring outer nuclear layer thickness. After 1 week in bright cyclic light, the retinas were completely protected against 1 day constant light exposure that significantly damaged retinas of animals without 800 lux cyclic light adaptation. Significant protection was also observed in 3 day constant light exposed animals; limited protection occurred after 7 days exposure. These results indicate that the retinas of adult rats adapted to bright cyclic light within certain ranges that did not significantly damage photoreceptor cells are protected from constant light challenge. This phenomenon is a post-developmental response that demonstrates a remarkable plasticity of the retina. The mechanism(s) underlying the ability of this adaptation/flexibility in protecting photoreceptors could involve endogenous molecules that encompass many aspects of retinal cell and molecular biology and physiology. Identification of these molecules may provide insight into the development of therapeutic approaches to treat retinal degeneration.     

Prolonged protective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated nanoparticles in royal college of surgeons rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of intravitreal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated nanoparticles (bFGF-NPs) against photoreceptor degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. METHODS: Three-week-old RCS rats received intravitreal injection of PBS, blank NPs, bFGF (2.5 microg), or bFGF-NPs (2.5 microg). Eyes were assessed by morphologic, immunohistochemical, and physiological analyses for the following 8 weeks. Cell death was examined using the TUNEL assay, and bFGF protein levels in the retina were measured by Western blot analysis. Rhodamine (Rh)-labeled bFGF-NPs were injected intravitreally and visualized by confocal microscopy to determine the localization of the nanoparticles in the retina. RESULTS: Intravitreally injected Rh-labeled bFGF-NPs were found in the outer nuclear layer 6 and 8 weeks after injection. ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes in bFGF-NP-treated retinas were greater than amplitudes in retinas receiving other treatment. Immunocytochemical analysis showed consistently greater opsin preservation in bFGF-NP-treated retinas, and a significantly higher number of photoreceptors and significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells were present after bFGF-NP treatment than after bFGF treatment. Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the bFGF level in bFGF-NP-treated retinas. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that intravitreally injected bFGF-NPs prevent photoreceptor degeneration by inhibiting apoptosis in the RCS rat retina because of targeting and sustained release of bFGF. This novel drug delivery system for bFGF may serve as a potential short-term treatment for photoreceptor degeneration in humans.     

L-NAME protects against acute light damage in albino rats,but not against retinal degeneration in P23H and S334ter transgenic rats

Two previous studies have shown that N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, protects retinas of albino rats and mice from damaging levels of light. The aims of the present study were two-fold: (1) to confirm the protective effect of L-NAME on wild type albino rats and (2) to determine if L-NAME protects the retinas of transgenic rats with P23H and S334ter rhodopsin mutations. In the first study, albino rats born and raised in 5-10 lux cyclic light were injected intraperitoneally with either L-NAME or its inactive isomer D-NAME 30 min before being placed in bright light (2700 lux) for 24hr. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded before light treatment and 2 days after cessation of exposure, and eyes were enucleated for morphologic evaluation. L-NAME, but not D-NAME provided structural protection of photoreceptor cells from light damage. The functional rescue was not statistically significant between the drug treated groups. In the second study, albino WT, P23H transgenic, and S334ter transgenic rats were born and raised in 400 lux cyclic light. Three week old animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of L-NAME or D-NAME for 4 weeks, and the same drugs were added to their drinking water. At 7 weeks of age, the ERG sensitivity curves and the outer nuclear layer thickness of both transgenic groups were significantly reduced compared to WT controls. However, administration of L-NAME did not protect against retinal degeneration caused by the rhodopsin mutation in either strain of transgenic (P23H and S334ter) rats. Thus, although photoreceptor cell death in light damage and inherited retinal degenerations share a common apoptotic mechanism, there must be significant 'up-stream' differences that allow selective neuroprotection by L-NAME.     

经巩膜外路至视网膜下腔移植视网膜细胞的实验研究

探讨视网膜光感受器细胞的移植方法及临床意义。方法将16只昆明鼠随机分为A组和B组,每组均8只鼠。于手术显微镜下,用特殊显微注射器穿过巩膜、脉络膜,在A组昆明鼠的视网膜下腔注入视网膜混合细胞,在B组昆明鼠的视网膜下腔注入纯光感受器细胞。于移植术后30、90及180 d摘除实验眼,于光镜下观察移植细胞在视网膜下腔生长的情况。结果大多数标本(13／15)HE染色显示视网膜细胞准确移植在受体眼的视网膜下腔,未见炎性细胞浸润和受体视网膜破坏;且移植到受体视网膜下腔的细胞在术后180 d仍存活。仅少数(2／15)标本可见受体视网膜结构破坏。移植的视网膜混合细胞均形成“玫瑰花”样结构,而移植的纯视网膜光感受器细胞则在视网膜下腔形成整齐的细胞层。结论经巩膜外路至视网膜下腔的显微注射法是较为理想的视网膜下腔注射给药和视网膜细胞移植方式。纯视网膜光感受器细胞移植后的生长状况和功能接近正常生理状态的视网膜组织结构,为临床治疗视网膜变性疾病提供了新途径。     

色素上皮衍生因子对大鼠慢性高眼压视网膜神经节细胞的保护作用

目的探讨色素上皮衍生因子（PEDF）对慢性高眼压条件下大鼠视网膜神经节细胞（RGCs）的作用。方法雌性SD大鼠36只,随机分为高眼压＋PEDF组（A组）、高眼压＋去离子水组（B组）和假手术＋PEDF组（C组）,A组、B组模型的制作应用巩膜浅层静脉烧烙法建立慢性高眼压模型,C组仅剪开球结膜,不烧烙巩膜浅静脉。A组、C组在模型建立后即刻用10μL微量注射器于大鼠角膜缘后2mm处刺入玻璃体腔,抽出玻璃体2μL,再向玻璃体腔内注射0．05g／L重组大鼠PEDF2μL,B组同法注入等量的去离子水。在3d和14d后处死动物,摘除眼球,将视网膜组织行冰冻切片,用TUNEL法及Fluoro—Jade（FJ）荧光染色检测各组RGCs的凋亡和变性。结果术后3d、14d时A组和B组眼压均明显升高,与同时间点C组相比差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;各组术后3d和14d间的眼压比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。TUNEL检测显示,A组、C组3d和14d RGCs的凋亡数目均明显少于同时间点B组（P〈0．05）,A组14d的凋亡细胞数明显少于3d（P〈0．05）。FJ荧光染色结果显示,A组、C组3d和14d变性RGCs数均明显少于B组（P〈0．05）,A组14d的变性细胞数较3d时明显减少（P〈0．05）。结论玻璃体腔注射PEDF可减少慢性高眼压大鼠RGCs的凋亡和变性。     

Glutathione peroxidase induced in rat retinas to counteract photic injury

PURPOSE: To examine the hypothesis that glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is induced at different time points after retinal exposure to light and localizes in different retinal cells. METHODS: The rats were kept in cyclic light for 2 weeks before the experiments. The animals were maintained in 12-hour light-dark cycles, before and after exposure to intense white fluorescent light, for as long as 24 hours and then returned to cyclic light. Expression of GPX was measured by immunohistocytochemistry and Western and Northern blot analyses. Light-induced retinal damage was determined by the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in relation to total retinal thickness. RESULTS: GPX labeling did not appear in the photoreceptor inner segments, and slight labeling was observed in the photoreceptor outer segments or the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the normal retina kept in cyclic light. In retinal specimens maintained in light for 12 and 24 hours, GPX labeling was induced in the photoreceptor outer segments and RPE cells. High expression of GPX in the RPE was sustained until day 7 after challenge. In contrast, GPX expression in the photoreceptor outer segments decreased on day 1 and disappeared on days 3 and 7 after exposure. Intense GPX labeling was seen from the internal limiting membrane to the ganglion cell layer. GPX labeling was constantly localized in both high-intensity white light and cyclic conditions, suggesting no induction of GPX in those areas. In addition, GPX labeling was apparent at the posterior retinal pole but not at the peripheral retina. We observed marked upregulation of GPX mRNA in rats kept in high-intensity white light. One, 3, and 7 days after exposure to high-intensity white light, there was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the control and experimental groups in the ratio of the outer nuclear layer thickness to the entire retina. CONCLUSIONS: GPX was induced at different time points after exposure to high-intensity white light and localized in different retinal cells. Changes in expression of GPX after exposure to light may be related to the difference in susceptibility of the retina to damage by light.     

视网膜光损伤：Ⅰ.中,低强度循环光下光照强度及照射时间的作用

目的:研究中、低强度的循环光照射对鼠视网膜光损伤的影响及其与时间、强度的关系。方法:25只8～10周的雌性SD鼠随机分为5组。一组作对照,另外四组置于12小时亮、12小时暗的白色氙灯循环光下照射3～28天,照射强度分别为90～115Lux(100Lux)、400～650Lux(500Lux)、800～1150Lux(1000Lux)、1400～1650Lux(1500Lux)。照射不同时间后,对视网膜行光镜、电镜检查及组织测厚。结果:除100Lux组光强度外,500Lux、1000Lux、1500Lux组的光强度均能引起鼠视网膜光损伤。视网膜光感受器细胞最早受累。光强度越高、照射时间越长,光感受器细胞的丧失越多;损伤严重者,也伴有视网膜色素上皮的损伤。结论:中、低强度的循环光所造成的鼠视网膜光损伤,其损伤程度与光照强度和照射时间有关。是光损伤防护中值得注意的环节。眼科学报1998;14:215～219。     

氩离子激光光凝前后糖尿病大鼠眼内组织中色素上皮衍生因子的表达

目的:观察氩离子激光视网膜光凝后糖尿病大鼠眼玻璃体及视网膜组织内色素上皮衍生因子(pigment epithelium-derived factor,PEDF)蛋白质表达的变化。方法:选用先天性糖尿病GK大鼠20只,对所有大鼠左眼施行氩离子激光视网膜光凝,右眼不进行光凝,作为自体对照。激光光凝后3d处死动物,取出眼球,WesternBlot和免疫组织化学染色检测玻璃体和视网膜组织中PEDF蛋白质表达的变化。结果:氩离子激光视网膜光凝后糖尿病大鼠玻璃体和视网膜中PEDF蛋白的表达均明显升高(P<0.01);且PEDF蛋白主要存在于RPE细胞层、光感受器细胞层、外核层和神经节细胞层,内核层表达的强度低于上述4层。结论:氩离子激光光凝可以上调糖尿病大鼠玻璃体和视网膜组织PEDF表达,抑制新生血管形成,达到治疗的目的。     

Effects of oxygen and bFGF on the vulnerability of photoreceptors to light damage

PURPOSE. To test whether tissue oxygen levels affect the vulnerability of photoreceptors to damage by bright continuous light (BCL). METHODS. Albino rats were raised in standard conditions of cyclic light (12-hour light, 12-hour darkness) with the light level at 5 to 10 lux or 40 to 65 lux. They were then exposed to BCL (1000-1400 lux), either continuously for 48 hours or for the day or night components of the 48-hour period. During BCL, some rats were kept in room air (normoxia, 21% oxygen), some in hypoxia (10%), and some in hyperoxia (70%). Their retinas were examined for cell death, for the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and for response to light (electroretinogram, ERG). RESULTS. The death of retinal cells induced by BCL was confined to photoreceptors. Within the retina, the severity of death was inversely related to the level of bFGF immunolabeling in the somas of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) before exposure. The death of photoreceptors was accompanied by an upregulation of bFGF protein levels in the ONL and by a decline in the ERG. Both hypoxia and hyperoxia during BCL reduced the photoreceptor death, bFGF upregulation, and ERG decline caused by BCL. The protective effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia were evident during both the day and night halves of the daily cycle. Hypoxia or hyperoxia alone did not upregulate bFGF or ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) expression in the retina. CONCLUSIONS. Photoreceptors are protected from light damage by hypoxia and hyperoxia during exposure. The protection provided by oxygen levels operates during both day and night. The protection is not mediated by an upregulation of bFGF or CNTF.     

Protective effect of TEMPOL derivatives against light-induced retinal damage in rats

PURPOSE: OT-551 (1-hydroxy-4-cyclopropanecarbonyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine hydrochloride), a TEMPOL-H (OT-674) derivative, is a new catalytic antioxidant. In the present study, the efficacy of OT-551 and OT-674 in retinal neuroprotection was tested in a model of light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. METHODS: Albino rats were intraperitoneally injected with OT-551, OT-674, or water, approximately 30 minutes before a 6-hour exposure to 2700-lux white fluorescent light. Retinal protection was evaluated histologically by measuring the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and functionally by electroretinogram (ERG) analysis, 5 to 7 days after exposure to light. Levels of protein modification by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 4-hydroxyhexenal (4-HHE), which are end products of the nonenzymatic oxidation of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively, were measured by Western dot blot analysis immediately after exposure to light. RESULTS: After exposure to light, water-treated animals had a 77% loss of ERG b-wave amplitudes and a 26% and 56% loss of mean ONL thickness in the inferior and superior hemispheres, respectively. Compared with water-treated rats, ERG b-wave amplitudes in light-exposed eyes were significantly higher in 25 (P < 0.05)-, 50 (P < 0.05)-, and 100 (P < 0.001)-mg/kg OT-551-treated rats. Mean ONL thickness in the superior hemisphere was significantly higher in 25 (P < 0.01)-, 50 (P < 0.01)-, and 100 (P < 0.001)-mg/kg OT-551-treated, light-exposed eyes and in 100 mg/kg (P < 0.05) OT-674-treated eyes. No decrease of ONL thickness was observed in the light-protected covered fellow eyes in any animal. Increased levels of 4-HNE- and 4-HHE-protein modifications after exposure to light in water-treated eyes were completely counteracted by 100 mg/kg OT-551. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic administration of OT-551 and OT-674 provides both functional and morphologic photoreceptor cell protection against acute light-induced damage, most likely by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The protection by OT-551 was greater than OT-674.     

Paradoxical role of BDNF: BDNF+/- retinas are protected against light damage-mediated stress

PURPOSE: Photoreceptors can be prevented from undergoing apoptosis in response to constant light by the application of exogenous neuroprotective agents, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF, however, cannot exert its effect directly on photoreceptors because they do not express receptors for BDNF. It has been proposed that BDNF released from Müller cells provides a feed-forward loop, increasing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) production in Müller cells, which may enhance photoreceptor survival. The authors hypothesized that retinas with reduced BDNF levels in which the BDNF-mediated release of neuroprotective signals is dampened are more susceptible to light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. METHODS: Young adult BDNF+/+ and BDNF+/- littermates (B6.129-BDNF(tm1-LT)) were analyzed. Retinal neurotrophin and growth factor mRNA levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR, photoreceptor function was assessed through electroretinography, and survival was documented in morphologic sections and in TUNEL assays. Oxidative stress was assayed by measuring glutathione peroxidase activity. RESULTS: At baseline, BDNF+/- animals had significantly increased levels of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA compared with their wild-type littermates. After light damage GDNF, CNTF, and BDNF mRNA levels dropped 14- to 16-fold in the BDNF+/+ mice but remained almost unchanged compared with baseline levels in the BDNF+/- mice. Preservation of neurotrophin levels in BDNF+/- mice correlated with photoreceptor cell survival, preservation of function, and reduced oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the hypothesis, reducing BDNF levels resulted in photoreceptor protection against light damage. Survival was paralleled by a reduction in oxidative stress and the preservation of neurotrophin levels, suggesting that chronic reduction of BDNF in the retina provides a level of preconditioning against stress.     

Cellular and subcellular patterns of expression of bFGF and CNTF in the normal and light stressed adult rat retina

This study compared the distributions in the normal and light stressed rat retina of the neuroprotective factors bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor). Albino Sprague-Dawley rats were raised in cyclic light and some were exposed to bright continuous light for 48 hr, to induce light damage of photoreceptors. Their retinas were prepared as cryosections, immunolabelled with antibodies to bFGF and CNTF and analysed by confocal microscopy. Both factors were prominent in macroglial cells (astrocytes, Müller cells) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In the somas of these cells the distributions of the two factors were complementary, with bFGF concentrated in the nuclei and CNTF in the cytoplasm. Both factors were distributed along the processes of macroglial cells, in granular form. CNTF was not detected in neurones, but bFGF was consistently present in the cytoplasm of ganglion cell somas and, in regions of retina subject to stress, in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors. bFGF was not detected in the nuclei or processes of neurones. In retina stressed by light exposure or proximity to the anterior edge of the retina, the levels of bFGF and CNTF were up-regulated, without major changes in localization. Macroglial cells (Müller cells, astrocytes) play a major role in distributing bFGF and CNTF throughout the retina. The different localizations of the two factors within the somas of macroglial, RPE and photoreceptor cells, suggest that their protective actions are exerted by distinctive mechanisms.     

中药黄斑颗粒灌胃对大鼠视网膜光损伤细胞凋亡的影响

目的:观察中药复方黄斑颗粒对大鼠视网膜光损伤细胞凋亡的影响。方法:雄性SD大鼠21只分为给药组、对照组和正常组,光损伤前10d用中药复方黄斑颗粒灌胃,对照组用等体积蒸馏水灌胃,正常对照组正常饲养。光损伤白色荧光灯平均光照强度2800Lux,暗适应24h后,散瞳光照5h后置暗环境饲养,光损伤后继续给药给水,3d后取眼球做石蜡包埋切片,用TUNEL方法进行染色,同时留取眼球进行电镜观察超微形态改变。结果:正常组视网膜结构规整,几乎无TUNEL染色阳性细胞,对照组外核层有大量黄色阳性细胞,结构紊乱,给药组散在少量阳性细胞;电镜下观察可见对照组色素上皮细胞微绒毛消失,光感受器外段排列紊乱,外核层有较多的固缩凋亡细胞核,而给药组则散在少量凋亡细胞。结论:中药黄斑颗粒可能通过对抗细胞凋亡而对大鼠视网膜光损伤起到保护作用。     

N-甲-N-亚硝脲对大鼠视网膜光感受器的毒性作用

目的观察N-甲基-N-亚硝脲(N-methyl-N-nitrosourea,MNU)对SD大鼠视网膜光感受器细胞的毒性作用.方法雌性SD大鼠100只,分17组,正常对照组4只,其余组各6只.在大鼠生后50 d,分别一次腹腔注射MNU 50mg/kg、60mg/kg、70mg/kg和80mg/kg.在MNU处理后24、48、72 h和7 d处死大鼠,取眼球,做组织学检查.结果不同剂量的MNU均引起中心视网膜和周边视网膜损伤,其损害的程度与MNU的剂量呈正比.作用24 h后,可见视网膜光感受器细胞核固缩、破坏及光感受器外节部定向紊乱;48 h或72 h后,可见光感受器细胞丧失;7 d后,外颗粒层和光感受层几乎完全消失.结论MNU对大鼠视网膜光感受器细胞有选择性的毒性作用,该作用呈剂量和时间依赖性.     

N-甲基-N-亚硝脲对大鼠视网膜光感受器的毒性作用

目的:观察N-甲基-N-亚硝脲(N-methyl-N-nitrosourea,MNU)对SD大鼠视网膜光感受器细胞的毒性作用。方法:雌性SD大鼠100只,分17组,正常对照组4只,其余组各6只。在大鼠生后50 d,分别一次腹腔注射MNU 50 mg／kg、60 mg／kg、70 mg／kg和80 mg／kg。在MNU处理后24、48、72 h和7 d处死大鼠,取眼球,做组织学检查。结果:不同剂量的MNU均引起中心视网膜和周边视网膜损伤,其损害的程度与MNU的剂量呈正比。作用24 h后,可见视网膜光感受器细胞核固缩、破坏及光感受器外节部定向紊乱;48 h或72 h后,可见光感受器细胞丧失;7 d后,外颗粒层和光感受层几乎完全消失。结论:MNU对大鼠视网膜光感受器细胞有选择性的毒性作用,该作用呈剂量和时间依赖性。     

Melatonin increases photoreceptor susceptibility to light-induced damage.

Melatonin is an indolamine hormone synthesized in the retina and pineal gland. It is thought to act as a paracrine neurohormone in the mammalian retina. Pinealectomy has been shown to protect photoreceptors from light-induced damage, and melatonin treatment has been reported to increase the degree of photoreceptor damage in albino rats. To determine how melatonin influences photoreceptor survival, the effect of melatonin administration on light-induced retinal damage was studied. Melatonin was administered to albino rats by intraperitoneal injections at various times before or after light exposure. The rats were exposed to high-intensity illumination (1600 lux) for 24 hr to induce photodamage, then returned to cyclic lighting for 12 days. After this, they were killed, and their eyes were removed and examined histologically. Measurements of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness were taken at 12 different loci around the circumference of the retinal sections. The animals that received daily melatonin injections (100 micrograms) in the late afternoon (3 hr before lights off) for 1-3 days before photodamage showed an approximate 30% greater reduction compared with sham control animals in ONL thickness in the superior quadrant, the area most susceptible to light damage. Melatonin injections given after the photodamage did not affect ONL thickness. Although retinal susceptibility to light damage varied with time of day, the degree to which melatonin increased the degree of damage appeared unaffected by the time of day. These results suggest that melatonin may be involved in some aspects of photoreceptor sensitivity to light damage.     

Ciliary neurotrophic factor protects rat retina cells in vitro and in vivo via PI3 kinase

PURPOSE: Neurotrophic factors and neurotrophins are well-known to have neuroprotective efficacy against retinal injury. The aim of this experiment is to investigate the signal transduction pathway of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on the upregulation of viability of retinal primary culture and retinal protection against constant light damage in vivo. CNTF is known to enhance the viability of retinal culture and provide protection under constant light exposure conditions, but little is known about how the signal transduction pathways of CNTF affect retina function. METHODS: Primary retinal cultures were prepared from 7-day-old Wistar rats. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml), CNTF (0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml), PD98059 (10, 100, 1000 nM), or LY294002 (10, 100, 1000 nM) was added to these cultures at the time of cell preparation. After 3 days, the percentage of cells surviving was assessed using alamarBlue. For the in vivo experiment, inhibitors for the MAPKK (PD98059, 10 microg/eye) or PI3K (LY294002, 10 microg/eye) pathways were injected into the vitreous together with CNTF (1 microg/eye) 2 days before constant light exposure. Electroretinogram (ERG) analysis was performed to investigate which pathway was used by CNTF. RESULTS: CNTF at 1, 10, or 100 ng/ml enhanced cell viability in retinal cultures. The cell-survival activity of CNTF was blocked by 10 ng/ml LY294002 (Dunnet's test, p < 0.05). In vivo, the neuroprotective activity of CNTF in constant-light conditions was attenuated by 10 microg/eye LY294002 (Dunnet's test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that CNTF promotes cell survival via the PI3K signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.