Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To localize the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in the murine retina. Methods: Monospecific polyclonal antibodies were raised against human soluble RAGE and tested on the lysate of human RAGE transfected C6 cells via ELISA to verify quality. Immunohistochemistry with anti–RAGE antibody was performed on a murine model of early diabetic retinopathy, the apoE –/– db/db mouse, and age–matched littermate control mice. To further characterize RAGE expressing cells, anti–vimentin, anti–GFAP and anti–CD31 antibodies were used. Results: RAGE expression was predominantly localized to Müller cells, particularly their internal footplates, in both diabetic and normal murine retina. In merged images, RAGE–positive cells of the inner retina colocalized with vimentin expression, confirming Müller cell expression. GFAP expression in astrocytes of the inner retina revealed no evidence of colocalization with adjacent RAGE expression of Müller cell processes and footplates. Expression of RAGE was also detected adjacent to CD31 positive endothelial cells, suggesting an intimate neurovascular localization for RAGE in the circulation of inner retina. Conclusions: The localization of RAGE to Müller cells suggests that an important role for these structural and functionally supportive cells of the neural retina in RAGE–mediated perturbations.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • Muller cells • immunohistochemistry