Gene Microarray Analysis of Experimental Glaucomatous Retina from Cynomologous Monkey

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To systematically explore changes in gene expression in the retina of monkeys with laser-induced glaucoma. Also, to validate the microarray data obtained from eyes with experimental glaucoma. Methods: Glaucoma was induced in the right eye of four monkeys by repeated argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. The left eye served as the control. Retinas were isolated from glaucomatous and control eyes 4 weeks after photocoagulation. Gene expression changes were analyzed by human UniGEM Human V ver.2.0 microarray chips which displayed a total 9,182 elements including EST clones. Glaucomatous and control eyes were also studied by immunohistochemistry. Results: Two eyes with moderate glaucoma and two with severe glaucoma were produced. The number of up-regulated genes was 45 and 18 in the moderate and severe glaucomatous retina, respectively, and the number of down-regulated genes was 17 and 21, respectively. The number of genes that were up- or down-regulated was as little as 0.6% of all the genes examined. Ceruloplasmin was one of the up-regulated genes, and it was expressed in Müller cells by immunohistochemical analyses. Conclusions: Gene expression profiles in laser-induced glaucomatous monkey retinas were determined and only a very small population of genes were up- or down-regulated in glaucomatous eyes. Up-regulation of ceruloplasmin protein was found in the Müller cells.

Keywords: gene microarray • animal model • immunohistochemistry