小鼠视网膜急性谷氨酸损伤后囊泡膜与质膜谷氨酸转运体的表达

目的:探讨不同类型囊泡膜和质膜谷氨酸转运体在小鼠视网膜急性损伤后的表达变化及其可能性作用。方法:C57BL/6小鼠78只,随机分为3组:正常对照组6只,实验对照组36只(玻璃体内注射生理盐水),实验组36只(玻璃体内注射谷氨酸)。分别于注射后0.5,3,6,12,24,72h各处死6只,其中3只鼠的眼球用于冰冻切片,以免疫细胞化学法检测各时间点视网膜内Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体(VGluT1和VGluT2)及3种质膜谷氨酸转运体:谷氨酸/天门冬氨酸转运体(glutamate/aspartate transporter,GLAST)、谷氨酸转运体-1(glutamate transporter-1,GLT-1)及兴奋性谷氨酸转运体-1(excitatory amino acid transporter-1,EAAC-1)的表达情况。另外3只鼠的眼球用于RNA抽提,以半定量RT-PCR检测各谷氨酸转运体mRNA的水平变化。结果:与实验对照组相比,实验组小鼠视网膜兴奋性损伤12h内,VGluT1和VGluT2的表达水平和分布情况均未看到明显变化;24～72h,虽然VGluT1的表达仍未发生改变,但VGluT2却明显地减少。GLAST,GLT-1及EAAC-1的表达在谷氨酸损伤3～12h均有明显增高,但在24～72h它们的表达水平开始逐渐降低。半定量RT-PCR结果与免疫细胞化学结果一致。结论:视网膜急性损伤12h内囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体表达没有发生变化,而质膜谷氨酸转运体表达明显升高。     

Expression and localization of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in monkey retina

Sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) is a mitochondrial P-450 enzyme with broad substrate specificity for C27 sterols including 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh). CYP27A1 is widely expressed in human tissues but has not been previously demonstrated in the retina. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of CYP27A1 in the monkey retina where it localized mainly to the photoreceptor inner segments. CYP27A1 was also observed in Müller cells with faint immuno staining detected in the RPE and choriocapillaris. We also determined that the 27-hydroxylation of 7-ketocholesterol (27OH7kCh) rendered it non-toxic to cultured RPE cells. Moreover, the 27OH7kCh when mixed with 7-ketocholesterol significantly reduced the toxicity of 7-ketocholesterol. These data, when taken in context of the known functions of CYP27A1 imply that expression in the retina serves to modify the biological activity of oxidized sterols that are either transported or generated locally by photo-oxidation.     

Expression of the diabetes risk gene wolframin (WFS1) in the human retina

Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1, OMIM 222300), a rare genetic disorder characterized by optic nerve atrophy, deafness, diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus, is caused by mutations of WFS1, encoding WFS1/wolframin. Non-syndromic WFS1 variants are associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus due to altered function of wolframin in pancreatic islet cells, expanding the importance of wolframin. This study extends a previous report for the monkey retina, using immunohistochemistry to localize wolframin on cryostat and paraffin sections of human retina. In addition, the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line termed ARPE-19 and retinas from both pigmented and albino mice were studied to assess wolframin localization. In the human retina, wolframin was expressed in retinal ganglion cells, optic axons and the proximal optic nerve. Wolframin expression in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was confirmed with intense cytoplasmic labeling in ARPE-19 cells. Strong labeling of the RPE was also found in the albino mouse retina. Cryostat sections of the mouse retina showed a more extended pattern of wolframin labeling, including the inner nuclear layer (INL) and photoreceptor inner segments, confirming the recent report of Kawano et al. [Kawano, J., Tanizawa, Y., Shinoda, K., 2008. Wolfram syndrome 1 (Wfs1) gene expression in the normal mouse visual system. J. Comp. Neurol. 510, 1-23]. Absence of these cells in the human specimens despite the use of human-specific antibodies to wolframin may be related to delayed fixation. Loss of wolframin function in RGCs and the unmyelinated portion of retinal axons could explain optic nerve atrophy in Wolfram Syndrome 1.     

Expression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasma membrane transporter-1 in monkey and human retina

PURPOSE: To determine the expression pattern of the predominant gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasma membrane transporter GAT-1 in Old World monkey (Macaca mulatta) and human retina. METHODS: GAT-1 was localized in retinal sections by using immunohistochemical techniques with fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Double-labeling studies were performed with the GAT-1 antibody using antibodies to GABA, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the bipolar cell marker Mab115A10. RESULTS: The pattern of GAT-1 immunostaining was similar in human and monkey retinas. Numerous small immunoreactive somata were in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and were present rarely in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of all retinal regions. Medium GAT-1 somata were in the ganglion cell layer in the parafoveal and peripheral retinal regions. GAT-1 fibers were densely distributed throughout the IPL. Varicose processes, originating from both the IPL and somata in the INL, arborized in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), forming a sparse network in all retinal regions, except the fovea. Sparsely occurring GAT-1 processes were in the nerve fiber layer in parafoveal regions and near the optic nerve head but not in the optic nerve. In the INL, 99% of the GAT-1 somata contained GABA, and 66% of the GABA immunoreactive somata expressed GAT-1. GAT-1 immunoreactivity was in all VIP-containing cells, but it was absent in TH-immunoreactive amacrine cells and in Mab115A10 immunoreactive bipolar cells. CONCLUSIONS: GAT-1 in primate retinas is expressed by amacrine and displaced amacrine cells. The predominant expression of GAT-1 in the inner retina is consistent with the idea that GABA transporters influence neurotransmission and thus participate in visual information processing in the retina.     

Expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the developing chicken retina

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) performs two contrasting enzymatic effects: as part of the renin-angiotensin system it converts angiotensin I into physiologically active angiotensin II, and it inactivates a number of peptides, e.g. substance P. These peptides are well known neurotransmitters in the retina and recently angiotensin II was described in retinal neurons. We therefore investigated a possible involvement of ACE in retinal metabolism by determining the mRNA and protein expression of ACE in the developing and mature chicken retina. ACE-mRNA expression was investigated by RT-PCR in the iris/ciliary body, the choroid, the optic nerve head, pecten, and the retina. Levels of ACE-mRNA were quantified by competitive PCR with heterologous competitor fragments in the retina at different developmental stages. To localize protein expression of ACE in the mature chicken retina an antibody directed against ACE was used. ACE-mRNA was present in all ocular tissues examined. Quantification of ACE-mRNA in avascular retinas of developing chickens revealed small amounts (0.13 attomol microl(-1)) at embryonic day 7 and values of about 0.6 attomol microl(-1)during embryonic days 7-17. ACE-mRNA expression transiently increased ten-fold (7.3 attomol microl(-1)) on postnatal day 1, decreased again to about 1.4 attomol microl(-1)on postnatal day 6, and remained constant thereafter. ACE-immunohistochemistry revealed labeling of photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and cells in the ganglion cell layer as well as of Müller glia. Our data show that ACE-mRNA is an intrinsic component of the retina and that ACE itself has a widespread but distinct cellular distribution. The transient high expression of ACE-mRNA directly after hatching indicate, that ACE may be involved in fine tuning the neuropeptidergic equipment of the retinal network during the initial phase of visual experience.     

syndecan-1在糖尿病视网膜中的表达

目的:观察syndecan-1在增殖性糖尿病视网膜病变患者视网膜增殖膜及糖尿病大鼠视网膜中的表达变化。方法:SD大鼠行链脲佐菌素腹腔注射以诱导糖尿病。造模成功后,墨汁灌注及视网膜铺片观察视网膜的血管情况。免疫组织化学染色检测大鼠视网膜及人糖尿病视网膜增殖膜中syndecan-1蛋白的表达。结果:糖尿病大鼠9wk时,视网膜周边血管走形迂曲,毛细血管网明显减少,部分毛细血管灌注不良。对照组大鼠的视网膜syndecan-1呈阳性表达,其中神经纤维层、节细胞层呈强阳性表达,内丛状层和光感受器外节呈中度阳性表达,外丛状层呈弱阳性表达。糖尿病大鼠视网膜中,syndecan-1的表达减低,其中神经纤维层、神经节细胞层、光感受器外节呈中度阳性表达,内丛状层及外丛状层呈弱阳性表达。13例人糖尿病视网膜病变视网膜增殖膜标本中,syndecan-1弱阳性表达8例(61.5%),阴性表达5例(38.5%)。结论:临床和动物实验共同表明,糖尿病状态下,视网膜中syndecan-1的表达降低。     

Expression of GABA transporter subtypes (GAT1, GAT3) in the developing rabbit retina.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the expression of GABA transporters (GATs) in the developing retina. We have therefore examined the expression of GABA transporters (GAT1 and GAT3) in the developing rabbit retina. METHODS: The distribution of GATs was examined with immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: GAT3 immunoreactivity appeared at PN0, whereas GAT1 immunoreactivity appeared first at PN3, both in the inner plexiform layer. From PN5 and onwards, both GAT1 and GAT3 immunoreactivity gradually appeared in numerous amacrine cell somas. At PN10, the immunostaining patterns and the distribution of both GAT1 and GAT3 were similar to that found in the adult rabbit retina. Full staining intensity was reached at PN20. CONCLUSION: GABA neurotransmission starts to develop already the first one to three days after birth, reaches the mature neuron pattern at about PN9 to PN10 but is not fully developed until about PN20. Neither GAT1 nor GAT3 appears to be involved in trophic actions by GABA in the prenatal retina.     

Expression of GABA transporter subtypes (GAT1, GAT3) in the adult rabbit retina.

PURPOSE: GABA transporters (GATs) are of importance for GABA signal systems. They have previously not been examined in rabbit retina, nor has their correlation with neurotransmitter GABA and GABA receptors been examined in the retina of any species. METHODS: The distribution of GATs, GABA and GABA receptors was examined with immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Both GAT1 and GAT3 immunoreactivities were found in the inner plexiform layer and in amacrine cells. GAT3 was also present in Müller cells. GAT1 appeared in amacrine cells that also had a high GABA concentration, but not in cells with moderate to low GABA concentration. GAT1 was also present in amacrine cells that did not show GABA immunoreactivity, possibly indicating a postsynaptic GABA uptake system. CONCLUSION: GAT3 is probably involved in both neuronal and glial GABA uptake whereas GAT1 is involved in predominantly neuronal uptake, and possibly also into non-GABA-ergic amacrine cells. Further, there may be at least two populations of GABA containing neurons.     

Expression of Epiplakin1 in the developing and adult mouse retina

Purpose  

To assess the expression of Epiplakin1 (Eppk1) in the developing and adult mouse retina.     

Expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl(-)-cotransporter 2 in the normal and pressure-induced ischemic rat retina

Purpose

To evaluate the expression of the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^--cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) in the ischemic rat retina.

Methods

Retinal ischemia was induced by pressures 90 to 120 mmHg, above systemic systolic pressure. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed.

Results

NKCC2 is expressed in the normal retina and its expression is increased by ischemia caused by intraocular pressure elevation. NKCC2 immunoreactivity was observed mainly in axon bundles of ganglion cells and horizontal cell processes in the retina. NKCC2 expression continuously increased with a peak value 3 days (to 415% of normal levels) after ischemic injury, and then gradually decreased to 314% of controls until 2 weeks post injury. The mean density of NKCC2-labeled ganglion cells per mm² changed from 1,255 ± 109 in normal retinas to 391 ± 49 and 185 ± 37 at 3 days and 2 weeks after ischemia, respectively (p < 0.05), implying cell death of ganglion cells labeled with NKCC2.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that NKCC2, which is expressed in retinal ganglion and horizontal cells, may contribute to cell death by ischemic injury in the retina, although the molecular mechanisms involved remain to be clarified.     

Localization of (3H2)vitamin A in mouse retina.

Following intraperitoneal injection of [³H₂]vitamin A acetate, the accumulation of labeled material in mouse retinas was studied by autoradiographic techniques. Significant accumulations of label were observed in the pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. Isotope continued to accumulate for 2 days, then achieved a steady state which was maintained through 9 days. The major localization within the photoreceptor cells was in the outer segments; inner segments and nuclei showed lesser amounts of label but were significantly above background level. Although the concentration of label varied markedly from one region of the photoreceptor cells to another, the distribution within each region was homogeneous. Photoreceptor outer segments gave no evidence of localized banding of labeled material. A metabolic pathway for vitamin A within mouse photoreceptor cells involving inner segments and nuclei is suggested.     

Differential cellular and subcellular distribution of glutamate transporters in the cat retina

Retrieval of glutamate from extracellular sites in the retina involves at least five excitatory amino acid transporters. Immunocytochemical analysis of the cat retina indicates that each of these transporters exhibits a selective distribution which may reflect its specific function. The uptake of glutamate into Muller cells or astrocytes appears to depend upon GLAST and EAAT4, respectively. Staining for EAAT4 was also seen in the pigment epithelium. The remaining transporters are neuronal with GLT-1alpha localized to a number of cone bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells and GLT-1v in cone photoreceptors and several populations of bipolar cells. The EAAC1 transporter was found in horizontal, amacrine, and ganglion cells. Staining for EAAT5 was seen in the axon terminals of both rod and cone photoreceptors as well as in numerous amacrine and ganglion cells. Although some of the glutamate transporter molecules are positioned for presynaptic or postsynaptic uptake at glutamatergic synapses, others with localizations more distant from such contacts may serve in modulatory roles or provide protection against excitoxic or oxidative damage.     

MCP-1在rd小鼠视网膜变性过程中的表达

目的 探讨单核细胞趋化因子(MCP-1)在rd小鼠视网膜变性过程中的表达.方法 RT-PCR反应测定rd小鼠出生后8、10、12、14、16、18 d视网膜MCP-1 mRNA的表达.原位杂交及免疫组织化学检测高峰期MCP-1 mRNA及蛋白在视网膜的定位表达.结果 与正常对照鼠相比,MCP-1 mRNA在rd小鼠视网膜的表达水平于出生后第8 d开始升高,12 d达高峰.MCP-1 mRNA及蛋白的表达出现于视网膜内层,尤其在内核层细胞及节细胞核周围.结论 趋化因子MCP-1在rd小鼠视网膜变性过程中表达升高,提示MCP-1可能在rd小鼠感光细胞凋亡中发挥作用.