KNOCKOUT OF IGFBP-3 IN MICE PRODUCES CHANGES SIMILAR TO CHRONIC DIABETES IN THE RETINA

Abstract

Purpose: To measure neuronal and vascular changes in the retinal from IGFBP-3 knockout mice compared to wildtype mice

Methods: We obtained a breeding pair of IGFBP-3 KO mice from John Pintar (UMDNJ). After mice reached 2 months of age, we collected retinal samples for measurements of retinal thickness, cell numbers in the ganglion cell layer, and apoptosis markers. Electroretinogram analyses were also completed prior to sacrifice.

Results: Data show that IGFBP-3 KO mice have reduced retinal thickness and cell numbers in the ganglion cell layer. Apoptosis markers and TNFα levels were also greater in the IGFBP-3 KO mice. ERG amplitudes were reduced in the IGFBP-3 KO mice.

Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate that loss of IGFBP-3 produces deleterious changes to the retina, despite normal glucose levels. These data agree with previous findings that IGFBP-3 is anti-apoptotic and protective to the retina.

Keywords: 499 diabetic retinopathy • 426 apoptosis/cell death • 715 signal transduction: pharmacology/physiology