Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the change of neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein expression of cultured Muller cell treated by Bunazosin, Timolol, Betaxolol (anti–glaucoma drugs) and Iganidipine (calcium channel blocker). Betaxolol and Iganidipine increased BDNF and CNTF expression in cultured rat Muller cells. Muller glial cells may play a neuroprotective role through the increase of neurotrophic factors by anti–glaucomatous drugs or calcium channel blocker treatment. Methods: Muller cell from 3–day–old Wister Rat were isolated and cultured with DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37 degrees C in 20% O2 and 5% CO2. Timolol, Bunazosin, Betaxolol and Iganidipine (final concentrations as 10–7M, 10–8M and 10–9M) were added to culture medium, and after 6 hours mRNA and protein were extracted. The mRNA and protein expression level of brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were determined using real–time PCR and Western blot analysis. Intracellular calcium concentration of treated cells was assessed by calcium imaging device. Results:Timolol and Bunazosin did not change the expression of neurotrophic factors. In real–time PCR, 10–7M and 10–8M Betaxolol significantly increased BDNF and CNTF (P<0.05). 10–7M and 10–8M Iganidipine also increased BDNF, CNTF and GDNF (P<0.05). By Westren blot analysis, 10–8M Betaxolol and 10–8M Iganidipine increased BDNF and CNTF (P<0.05). Calcium blocking effect was not observed by Betaxolol (10–8M). Conclusions:Betaxolol and Iganidipine increased BDNF and CNTF expression in cultured rat Muller cells. Muller glial cells may play a neuroprotective role through the increase of neurotrophic factors by anti–glaucomatous drugs or calcium channel blocker treatment.
Keywords: Muller cells • nutritional factors • neuroprotection