Rat retinal ganglion cells co-express brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB.

The expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its preferred receptor (TrkB) in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have been determined in the present study. To identify RGCs retrograde labelling was performed with fluorogold (FG). Subsequently, retinas were immunostained with antibodies to BDNF and TrkB. We found that all RGCs labelled with FG express both BDNF and its preferred receptor, TrkB. Moreover, displaced amacrine cells were also found to be immunolabelled by both antibodies. Thus BDNF/TrkB signalling in RGCs probably involves endogenous BDNF produced by the RGCs themselves.     

Expression and localisation of BDNF, NT4 and TrkB in proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Exogenous brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to rescue ganglion cell death after optic nerve injury. Its mechanism of action is believed to be indirect via glial cells in the retina. In this study we investigated the changes in expression and localisation of BDNF, neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and their common receptor (TrkB) in retinectomy sections of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Nine full-thickness retinectomy specimens obtained at retinal reattachment surgery for PVR were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde immediately after excision and compared to similarly processed normal donor retinas (4 eyes). Agarose-embedded sections (100 microm thick) were double labelled for immunohistochemistry by confocal microscopy, with antibodies against BDNF, NT4, TrkB, rod opsin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cellular retinaldehyde binding protein (CRALBP) and Brn3. This study demonstrates expression of NT4 by ganglion cells and shows expression of BDNF and NT4 in the outer photoreceptor segments is downregulated during PVR, whilst NT4 is markedly upregulated throughout the retina during this condition. The findings here suggest that NT4 may play a neural protective role during the development of PVR. It also shows that upregulation of NT4 in PVR is localised to Müller glial cells, indicating either over-expression of this factor by Müller cells or that Müller cells internalise NT4 for trafficking across the retina. TrkB expression was not observed in PVR retina. The observations that Müller glia demonstrate upregulation of NT4 suggests that retinal injury may lead to activation of this neurotrophin by Müller cells as part of their neuroprotective functions.     

Quantitative ex vivo detection of rodent retinal ganglion cells by immunolabeling Brn-3b

To evaluate the neuroprotective potential of drug candidates to treat human glaucoma, a short-term rodent model of retinal ganglion cell death was employed. Transient ischemia applied to the rodent retina, with subsequent reperfusion for 1-4 weeks, produces an experimental retinal ganglion cell death that is quantifiable. A widely used method to detect viable retinal ganglion cells involves surgical injection of labeling compounds into the superior colliculus of the rodent brain, the retrograde transport of the compounds along the axons to the retina, and subsequent microscopic evaluation of the retina. In order to circumvent the labor intensive and invasive surgery of this method, we sought an alternative means of assessing retinal ganglion cell survival that would be more suitable for high-throughput analysis. We therefore developed a method of immunolabeling whole retinas ex vivo with an antibody to Brn-3b, an antigen expressed in a subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells, that allows for detection of a representative retinal ganglion cell population. Fluorescently tagged Brn-3b immunolabeled retinas were flat-mounted, digitally imaged, and assessed using image analysis software. We determined that 60 min of ischemia caused a 49% and a 32% decrease in Brn-3b positive retinal ganglion cells in Lewis rats after 4 weeks reperfusion, and Sprague-Dawley rats after 2 weeks reperfusion, respectively. In Swiss Webster ND4 mouse retinas subjected to 45 min ischemia and 7 days reperfusion, we found a 70% decrease in Brn-3b positive cells. Thus, ex vivo immunolabeling of retinal ganglion cells using antibody to Brn-3b provides an alternative to other methods of quantifying retinal ganglion cells.     

Ocular hypertension impairs optic nerve axonal transport leading to progressive retinal ganglion cell degeneration

Ocular hypertension (OHT) is the main risk factor of glaucoma, a neuropathy leading to blindness. Here we have investigated the effects of laser photocoagulation (LP)-induced OHT, on the survival and retrograde axonal transport (RAT) of adult rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC) from 1 to 12 wks. Active RAT was examined with fluorogold (FG) applied to both superior colliculi (SCi) 1 wk before processing and passive axonal diffusion with dextran tetramethylrhodamine (DTMR) applied to the optic nerve (ON) 2 d prior to sacrifice. Surviving RGCs were identified with FG applied 1 wk pre-LP or by Brn3a immunodetection. The ON and retinal nerve fiber layer were examined by RT97-neurofibrillar staining. RGCs were counted automatically and color-coded density maps were generated. OHT retinas showed absence of FG⁺ or DTMR⁺RGCs in focal, pie-shaped and diffuse regions of the retina which, by two weeks, amounted to, approximately, an 80% of RGC loss without further increase. At this time, there was a discrepancy between the total number of surviving FG-prelabelled RGCs and of DMTR⁺RGCs, suggesting that a large proportion of RGCs had their RAT impaired. This was further confirmed identifying surviving RGCs by their Brn3a expression. From 3 weeks onwards, there was a close correspondence of DTMR⁺RGCs and FG⁺RGCs in the same retinal regions, suggesting axonal constriction at the ON head. Neurofibrillar staining revealed, in ONs, focal degeneration of axonal bundles and, in the retinal areas lacking backlabeled RGCs, aberrant staining of RT97 characteristic of axotomy. LP-induced OHT results in a crush-like injury to ON axons leading to the anterograde and protracted retrograde degeneration of the intraocular axons and RGCs.     

Adeno-associated viruses containing bFGF or BDNF are neuroprotective against excitotoxicity

PURPOSE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) hold much promise for the protection of retinal ganglion cells against excitotoxic cell death. We tested the possibility of delivering these growth factors to retinal ganglion cells via an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector and tested their efficacy in two models of excitotoxicity. METHODS: Rat retinas were infected with AAV vectors encoding bFGF or BDNF. A control vector containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected in the contralateral eye. Eyes were subjected to either an intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or optic nerve crush, and ganglion cell survival was evaluated. RESULTS: AAV.CMV.bFGF and AAV.CBA.BDNF were neuroprotective against NMDA injection 1 month post-treatment. Additionally, AAV.CMV.bFGF was protective against optic nerve crush. CONCLUSION: AAV-mediated delivery of bFGF and BDNF can promote retinal cell survival following excitotoxic insult.     

Prevention of retinal ganglion cell swelling by systemic brimonidine in a rat experimental glaucoma model

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of brimonidine on retinal ganglion cells in rats with elevated intraocular pressure and to characterize the subpopulation of cells that can be rescued, as well as assess the effect of this drug on retinal ganglion cell soma size. Methods: Episcleral vein cauterization was used to increase intraocular pressure for 5 weeks on left eyes, considering right eyes as intrinsic controls in all cases. All the animals were then given weekly intraperitoneal injections, the experimental group receiving brimonidine, and the control group were administered only phosphate‐buffered saline. Surviving retinal ganglion cells were quantified and their area and distribution measured by retrograde labelling with fluorogold. Results: Brimonidine administered systemically has a neuroprotective effect on retinal ganglion cells, which is unrelated to its capacity to lower intraocular pressure. It prevents the increase of cell size that is associated with stages prior to cell death. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the zones of the retina most susceptible to the damage caused by glaucoma (middle and periphery). Conclusion: This effect of preventing retinal ganglion cell swelling can be considered as a new marker to study neuroprotection from antiglaucomatous drugs in the early stages of neurodegeneration in glaucoma.     

Activation of MAPK and CREB by GM1 induces survival of RGCs in the retina with axotomized nerve

PURPOSE: Neuronal cells undergo apoptosis when the supply of neurotrophic factor is limited by injury, trauma, or neurodegenerative disease. Ganglioside has both neuritogenic and neurotropic functions. Exogenously administered monosialoganglioside (GM1) has been shown to have a stimulatory effect on neurite outgrowth and to prevent degeneration of neuronal cells in the central nervous system. Even though GM1 has been shown to mimic, or have synergy with, neurotrophic factors, the neuroprotective mechanism of GM1 has not been well understood. In this study, optic nerve transection, or axotomy, was used as an in vivo model system for injury, to examine the protective mechanism of GM1 in injured retinal ganglion cells. METHODS: GM1 was injected into the vitreous body before axotomy, and the protective effect of GM1 observed with regard to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) protein. Activation of MAPK and CREB were examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, and the surviving retinal ganglion cells were counted after retrograde fluorescence labeling. RESULTS: GM1 inhibited the degeneration of axotomized retinal ganglion cells. In addition, GM1 enhanced the activation of MAPK and CREB with the treatment of GM1 in the retina with axotomized nerve. Treatment of MAPK inhibitor PD98059 with GM1 reduced the protective action of GM1 and prevented GM1-induced phosphorylation of CREB. CONCLUSIONS: GM1 protected the axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from cell death after axotomy through the activation of MAPK and CREB.     

神经营养素家族因子对视网膜神经细胞保护作用的研究进展

现有大量研究表明神经营养素家族因子对视网膜神经细胞具有重要的保护作用。在所有家族成员中,神经生长因子能够有效保护视网膜光感受器细胞;阻断视网膜神经节细胞中神经生长因子与受体p75的结合,可以抑制神经节细胞的凋亡。脑源性神经营养因子可以防止光感受器细胞变性,增强光感受器细胞损伤后的修复。在刺激神经节细胞轴突生长和突触形成方面,脑源性神经营养因子、神经营养素-3及神经营养素-4/5均具有显著效应。通过对神经营养素家族因子的研究,了解其作用机制,以期能够应用于视网膜神经细胞变性及损伤性疾病的治疗中。     

一种稳定标记小鼠视网膜内两种不同类型神经节细胞的方法

目的 报道一种简单高效显示小鼠视网膜中两种不同类型神经节细胞的方法.方法 利用特殊标记物Brn3a和Melanopsin,通过视网膜铺片免疫荧光双标染色结合激光共聚焦显微镜,分别标记小鼠视网膜中普通视网膜神经节细胞和内在光敏视网膜神经节细胞.结果 免疫荧光染色结果表明,内在光敏视网膜神经节细胞与普通视网膜神经节细胞均位于视网膜节细胞层,相间互补分布.内在光敏视网膜神经节细胞数量较少,为普通视网膜神经节细胞的1％ ～2％,其轴突朝向视神经盘方向汇集,树突野较大,伸向内网层.结论 免疫荧光双标染色是小鼠视网膜内两种不同类型视网膜神经节细胞简单易行、稳定高效的标记方法.     

Expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor activated by retinal Müller cells in eyes with NMDA- and kainic acid-induced neuronal death

PURPOSE: To elucidate the role of retinal Muller cells in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- or kainic acid (KA)induced retinal damage. METHODS: In experimental eyes, NMDA or KA was injected into the vitreous of rat eyes. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were conducted to elucidate expression and localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). In addition, the neuroprotective effects of CNTF were calculated by counting cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and by measuring the thickness of the various retinal layers. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis of retinal damage in NMDA- and KA-injected eyes showed significant cell loss in the GCL and thinning of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the retina, but not of other retinal layers. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated disappearance and/or decrease in immunoreactivities of calbindin- and calretinin- positive cells and their neurites and upregulated expression of both GFAP and CNTF in experimental eyes. Western blot analysis showed an increase in protein expression for CNTF in retinas of experimental eyes. Confocal images and sequential localization demonstrated colocalization of CNTF and GFAP in the inner retinal layer and possibly in Muller cells. In addition, pretreatment with CNTF (1 microg) before the intravitreal injection of NMDA (or KA) demonstrated that CNTF has neuroprotective effects against NMDA- or KA-induced neuronal death in the retina. CONCLUSIONS: These studies revealed the upregulated expression of CNTF and GFAP in Muller cells in response to NMDA- and KA-induced neuronal death, suggesting that production of CNTF in Muller cells may be a part of the endogenous neuroprotective system in the retina.     

Retinal ischemic injury rescued by sodium 4-phenylbutyrate in a rat model

Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment for humans and animals. Herein, the neuroprotective effects of phenylbutyrate (PBA) upon retinal ischemic injury were investigated using a rat model. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were retrograde labeled with the fluorescent tracer fluorogold (FG) applied to the superior collicoli of test Sprague-Dawley rats. High intraocular pressure and retinal ischemia were induced seven days subsequent to such FG labeling. A dose of either 100 or 400 mg/kg PBA was administered intraperitoneally to test rats at two time points, namely 30 min prior to the induction of retinal ischemia and 1 h subsequent to the cessation of the procedure inducing retinal ischemia. The test-rat retinas were collected seven days subsequent to the induction of retinal ischemia, and densities of surviving RGCs were estimated by counting FG-labeled RGCs within the retina. Histological analysis revealed that ischemic injury caused the loss of retinal RGCs and a net decrease in retinal thickness. For PBA-treated groups, almost 100% of the RGCs were preserved by a pre-ischemia treatment with PBA (at a dose of either 100 or 400 mg/kg), while post-ischemia treatment of RGCs with PBA did not lead to the preservation of RGCs from ischemic injury by PBA as determined by the counting of whole-mount retinas. Pre-ischemia treatment of RGCs with PBA (at a dose of either 100 or 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the level of ischemia-associated loss of thickness of the total retina, especially the inner retina, and the inner plexiform layer of retina. Besides, PBA treatment significantly reduced the ischemia-induced loss of cells in the ganglion-cell layer of the retina. Taken together, these results suggest that PBA demonstrates a marked neuroprotective effect upon high intraocular pressure-induced retinal ischemia when the PBA is administered prior to ischemia induction.     

Neuroprotective effect of latanoprost on rat retinal ganglion cells

Background To investigate the neuroprotective effect of intravitreal administration of latanoprost on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage induced by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or optic nerve axotomy.Methods Using Sprague-Dawley rats, retinal ganglion cell damage was induced by either intravitreal administration of NMDA or optic nerve axotomy. Latanoprost at doses of 0.03, 0.3, 3, 30 and 300 pmol was administered intravitreally before NMDA injection or optic nerve axotomy. Retinal damage was evaluated by counting the number of surviving RGCs retrogradely labeled with fluorogold under the microscope.Results Seven days after the NMDA injury, the number of surviving RGCs was significantly increased at doses of more than 30 pmol atanoprost (846±178 cells/mm² P=0.0166) compared with vehicle control (556±122 cells/mm²). Ten days after the optic nerve axotomy, the number of surviving RGC was significantly increased even at a dose of 0.3 pmol (815±239 cells/mm², P=0.0359) compared with control (462±75 cells/mm²).Conclusions Intravitreal administration of latanoprost has a neuroprotective effect on rat RGC damage induced by either NMDA or optic nerve axotomy, while its pharmacological features are different.     

Topographic and morphologic analyses of retinal ganglion cell loss in old DBA/2NNia mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retinal ganglion cell (RGC) size, density distribution, and survival in senescent DBA2/NNia mice that develop pigmentary glaucoma. To evaluate the validity of nearest neighbor distance (NND), a measure of focal density for surviving RGCs in the retina, as a method to quantify RGC loss in mice. METHODS: Fifteen-month-old DBA2/NNia mice were labeled retrogradely with fluorogold. Retinas were flat mounted and imaged in their entirety using an epifluorescence microscope with a motorized stage. Digital maps of the retinal wholemounts were constructed to automatically count and establish spatial coordinates for RGCs over the entire retina. RGC size and NND were determined from these maps. RESULTS: RGC counts in the group of 15-month-old DBA/2NNia animals ranged from 22,330 to 92,157 cells per retina. Mean RGC cell size per retina ranged from 22.35 to 35.64 microm2 and correlated linearly with total RGC counts. NND distribution histograms were compared for retinas with variable degrees of RGC loss. The distribution of NNDs in each retina was skewed toward larger distance values in more affected retinas. In partially damaged retinas, areas with severe pathology coincided with areas of maximal loss of large RGCs, and areas of preserved RGCs correlated with larger cell sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Damaged retinas have a smaller mean cell size, indicating preferential loss of larger RGCs or size reduction of surviving cells. NND analysis of the RGC population in a retina is a useful measure of glaucomatous RGC loss. The skewed NND distribution of surviving RGCs and the finding that RGC loss correlates with a shift/amplitude change in the mode of the histogram and its tail suggests two different patterns of RGC loss possibly attributable to different pathologic processes in glaucomatous DBA/2 mice.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and repair of retinal ganglion cells after injury

Blocking of retrograde transport after the optic nerve injury results in deprivation of neurotrophic support to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and leads to apoptotic cell death in glaucoma. As an important member of neurotrophins, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a substantial role in the repair of retinal ganglion cells injury, but its signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of glaucoma remains unclear. This review focuses on the structure, distribution and receptors of BDNF and its effects on RGC survival, axon regeneration and relevant signaling pathway, to provide theoretical foundation for neuroprotective treatment of glaucoma.     

大鼠视网膜缺血再灌注损伤后脑源性神经生长因子对细胞凋亡及caspase-2和caspase-3表达的影响

目的:探讨caspase-2和caspase-3在大鼠视网膜缺血再灌注损伤中的表达与细胞凋亡的关系及脑源性神经生长因子对其的影响及对视网膜的保护作用。方法:实验于2007-02/2007-07在青岛大学医学院附属医院中心实验室完成。前房加压法制作大鼠视网膜缺血再灌注损伤模型,28只大鼠随机分为正常组和手术组,其中手术组大鼠左眼为缺血再灌注组,右眼为治疗组(BDNF玻璃体腔注射),手术组又按照再灌注后不同时间段分为1,6,12,24,48,72h组。光学显微镜观察并计数视网膜神经节细胞的数量。应用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的脱氧尿苷三磷酸缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)检测视网膜神经节细胞凋亡、免疫组织化学法(SABC)和酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测视网膜组织中caspase-2和caspase-3的表达情况。结果:正常视网膜未见凋亡细胞表达,缺血后6～24h可见大量凋亡细胞表达,48h开始下降。凋亡细胞在缺血后24h达到高峰,caspase-2缺血6h后逐渐增加,24h达高峰,然后在48至72h下降。caspase-3表达改变与caspase-2改变基本一致。BDNF治疗组各观察指标表达变化规律与缺血组基本一致,但能明显抑制凋亡细胞的表达,同时使caspase-2和caspase-3的表达降低。结论:视网膜缺血再灌注损伤诱导了神经节细胞的凋亡;BDNF可抑制caspase-2和caspase-3的表达,减少神经节细胞凋亡,对视网膜缺血再灌注损伤有治疗作用。     

BDNF diminishes caspase-2 but not c-Jun immunoreactivity of neurons in retinal ganglion cell layer after transient ischemia.

PURPOSE: Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury induces apoptosis of retinal neurons. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of c-Jun, caspase-1, -2, and -3 immunoreactivities and neuronal apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and to study the effects of intravitreal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the expression of these gene products in a rat model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: After 60 minutes of ischemia, eyes were enucleated after 3, 6, 12, 24, and 168 hours of reperfusion. The numbers of c-Jun-, caspase-1-, caspase-2-, caspase-3, and TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the GCL were counted. Recombinant human BDNF (5 microg) or vehicle was injected intravitreally immediately after reperfusion. At 6, 24, and 168 hours, the numbers of immunoreactive cells in BDNF- and vehicle-treated groups were compared. RESULTS: Expression of c-Jun and caspase-2 was found in dying cells in flat-mounted retinas. The numbers of caspase-1- and caspase-3-positive cells were fewer than c-Jun- or caspase-2-positive cells. Cell death in the retinal GCL was suppressed by an intravitreal injection of BDNF. The numbers of TUNEL- and caspase-2-positive cells were lower in the BDNF-treated group at 6 hours after reperfusion (P<0.01). The number of c-Jun-positive cells in the treated retinas was not altered by the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of c-Jun and caspase-2 is associated with neuronal cell apoptosis in the GCL. Suppression of caspase-2 expression may explain the neuroprotective effects of BDNF.     

Cataractogenic lens injury prevents traumatic ganglion cell death and promotes axonal regeneration both in vivo and in culture

PURPOSE: To examine and quantify neuroprotective and neurite-promoting activity on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after injury of the lens. METHODS: In adult albino rats, penetrating lens injury was performed by intraocular injection. To test for injury-induced neuroprotective effects in vivo, fluorescence-prelabeled RGCs were axotomized by subsequent crush of the optic nerve (ON) with concomitant lens injury to cause cataract. The numbers of surviving RGCs were determined in retinal wholemounts and compared between the different experimental and control groups. To examine axonal regeneration in vivo, the ON was cut and replaced with an autologous piece of sciatic nerve (SN). Retinal ganglion cells with axons that had regenerated within the SN under lens injury or control conditions were retrogradely labeled with a fluorescent dye and counted on retinal wholemounts. Neurite regeneration was also studied in adult retinal explants obtained either after lens injury or without injury. The numbers of axons were determined after 1 and 2 days in culture. Putative neurotrophins (NTs) were studied within immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Cataractogenic lens injury performed at the same time as ON crush resulted in highly significant rescue of 746 +/- 126 RGCs/mm(2) (mean +/- SD; approximately 39% of total RGCs) 14 days after injury compared with controls without injury or with injection of buffer into the vitreous body (30 +/- 18 RGCs/mm(2)). When lens injury was performed with a delay of 3 days after ON crush, 49% of RGCs survived, whereas delay of 5 days still rescued 45% of all RGCs. In the grafting paradigm virtually all surviving RGCs after lens injury appeared to have regenerated an axon within the SN graft (763 +/- 114 RGCs/mm(2) versus 79 +/- 17 RGCs/mm(2) in controls). This rate of regeneration corresponds to approximately 40% of all RGCs. In the regeneration paradigm in vitro preceding lens injury and ON crush 5 days previous resulted in a maximum of regeneration of 273 +/- 39 fibers/explant after 1 day and 574 +/- 38 fibers/explant after 2 days in vitro. In comparison, in control retinal pieces without lens injury 28 +/- 13 fibers/explant grew out at 1 day, and 97 +/- 37 fibers/explant grew out at 2 days in culture. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of potential NTs in the injured lens revealed no expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT-4, nerve growth factor (NGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the lens contains high neuroprotective and neuritogenic activity, which is not caused by NT. Compared with the data available in the literature, this neuroprotection is quantitatively among the highest ever reported within the adult rat visual system.     

Retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma: mechanisms and neuroprotective strategies

Various cellular and molecular mechanisms that may lead to apoptotic cell death of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma are discussed. These cellular mechanisms include neurotrophic factor deprivation, ischemia, glial cell activation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and abnormal immune response. Based on experimental and clinical evidence, the rationale for various neuroprotective strategies is described.