December 2002
Volume 43, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   December 2002
Microglial Activation Accompanies Early Regressive Neuronal Responses in the Retina of a Rat Glaucoma Model
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • R Naskar
    Experimental Ophthalmology University Muenster Muenster Germany
  • S Thanos
    Experimental Ophthalmology University of Muenster Muenster Germany
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships   R. Naskar, None; S. Thanos, None. Grant Identification: IZKF
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science December 2002, Vol.43, 4035. doi:
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      R Naskar, S Thanos; Microglial Activation Accompanies Early Regressive Neuronal Responses in the Retina of a Rat Glaucoma Model . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2002;43(13):4035.

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To characterize the early response of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and microglia in a rat model of glaucoma. Methods: Glaucoma was induced in adult female Sprague Dawley rats by cauterizing two episcleral veins. IOP was measured using a Tono Pen. RGCs were retrogradely labeled with the fluorescent dye, 4-Di-10ASP and their reaction to raised intraocular pressure (IOP) was examined in-vivo and on retinal flat mounts. Dying RGCs are phagocytosed by microglia, which become visible when they take up the fluorescent cell debris. Results: Cauterizing two episcleral veins resulted in a consistent increase in IOP. Fundoscopic examination of the optic nerve head revealed cupping 2 months after glaucoma induction. Using in-vivo imaging the earliest signs of RGC death could be detected 20 hours after glaucoma induction in the anesthetized, living animal. Ganglion cells continued to degenerate over time, with 40% having degenerated 2.5 months later. Retinal microglia, which phagocytose dying RGC appeared as early as 72 hours after glaucoma induction. Conclusion: Occlusion of two episcleral veins in the rat results in a reproducible elevation in IOP, optic nerve cupping and RGC loss. In-vivo imaging enabled ganglion cell loss to be traced in the living animal. Microglia are apparently involved in the phagocytosis of dying retinal ganglion cells.

Keywords: 415 ganglion cells • 316 animal model • 470 microglia 
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