Abstract
Purpose: :
A proteomic study from our laboratory showed that the expression of the protein of T cell receptor beta (TCRβ) was changed in the retina of DBA2/J mice, a mouse model of glaucoma (Proteomics, 9(21):4962-9. 2009). The purpose of this study was to determine whether various type of TCRs, including TCRα, -β, -γ, and -Δ, are expressed in the retina of mice, and whether they are associated with the death of retinal ganglion cell death (RGCs) induced by glutamate neurotoxicity and oxidative stress.
Methods: :
The retinal sites of expressing TCRs were determined by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies for TCRs in the retina of mice. Alternative changes of the protein expression of TCRs 7-months-of-age to 11-month-of age in the retina of DBA2/J mice were measured by western blot analysis. MTS assays were performed to investigate the effect of siRNA of TCRs on the death of rat retinal ganglion cells, RGC-5 cells, induced by the exposure to excess glutamate or hydrogen peroxide.
Results: :
All of TCRs, TCRα, -β,-γ, and -Δ were expressed in the RGCs of mice. While the expression of TCRβ in the retina at 11-month-of age of DBA2/J mice was lower than at 7-month-of age, TCRα,TCRγ,and TCRΔ were higher. The death of RGC-5 cells induced by glutamate toxicity was promoted by siRNA of TCRβ, but that was reduced by siRNAs of TCRα or TCRγ. RGC-5 death by hydrogen preroxide was inhibited by siRNAs of TCRα, TCRβ, or TCRγ.
Conclusions: :
These results suggest that TCRs are associated with the death of RGCs.
Keywords: immunomodulation/immunoregulation • retinal degenerations: cell biology • neuroprotection