Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: At least five related but distinct eukaryotic glutamate transporters have been cloned to date. We want ot examine the expression of glutamate transporter subtypes, and their cellular distributions in the chronic ocular hypertension rat retina. Methods: We performed western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for GLAST, GLT–1 and EAAC1 with their specific antibodies in chronic ocular hypertension rat retina in form of three episcleral veins cauterization. Results:GLAST showed maximun density in IPL and OPL of rat retina at 1 week after injury, then the desity was diminished with time. The expression of GLT–1 was increased in INL and ONL compare to control and gradually increased throught 6 weeks of experimental periods long. The desity of EAAC1 was weakly elevated in GCL and INL for 1 week and diminished after that. The results of western blot analysis were corresponding to those of immunohistochemical stainings. Conclusions: Glutamate transporters were expressed in both glial cells and neurons to achieve homeostasis for the glutamate in chronic ocular hypertension rat retina. However, this pressure–induced condition may induce perturbation in glutamate transporter expressions, and lead to retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma.
Keywords: neurotransmitters/neurotransmitter systems • nitric oxide • retinal degenerations: cell biology