Abstract
Purpose: :
In order to reveal photoreceptor degeneration mechanism, we studied using two different animal models.
Methods: :
Sprague dawley rats were used for in this study. The drug (theophylline and sodium iodate) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection. To observe photoreceptor injury, light and electron microscopy were used. And alteration of gene expression was confirmed by western blot analysis and RT-PCR.
Results: :
Theophylline and sodium iodate induced the degeneration of photoreceptor 24hrs after drug administration. The toxic effect of drugs showed dose dependently. The injury of photoreceptor in two models was observed by electron microscopy. In theophylline treated retina, the photoreceptor degeneration was observed but retinal pigment epithelium was not degenerated. In sodium iodate treated retina, degeneration of photoreceptor and photoreceptor were observed. In two model, cGMP, calpain and arrestin were increased in the retina. And expression of caspase-8 and -9 was observed in theophylline treated retina but they were not observed in sodium iodate. In sodium iodate treated retina, p53 and bax proteins were observed.
Conclusions: :
In this study, theophylline and sodium iodate induced morphological change of photoreceptors. However, the difference in gene expression and morphological damage were observed in two models. Therefore, these findings may increase the possibility that development of therapeutic mechanism for photoreceptor degeneration.
Keywords: photoreceptors • degenerations/dystrophies • retinal degenerations: cell biology