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Wagner N, Safaei A, Vogt PA, Gammel MR, Dick HB, Schnichels S, Joachim SC. Coculture of ARPE-19 Cells and Porcine Neural Retina as an Ex Vivo Retinal Model. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:27-44. [PMID: 35302924 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221082662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neural retinal organ cultures are used to investigate ocular pathomechanisms. However, these cultures lack the essential retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are part of the actual in vivo retina. To simulate a more realistic ex vivo model, porcine neural retina explants were cocultured with ARPE-19 cells (ARPE-19 group), which are derived from human RPE. To identify whether the entire cells or just the cell factors are necessary, in a second experimental group, porcine neural retina explants were cultured with medium derived from ARPE-19 cells (medium group). Individually cultured neural retina explants served as controls (control group). After 8 days, all neural retinas were analysed to evaluate retinal thickness, photoreceptors, microglia, complement factors and synapses (n = 6-8 per group). The neural retina thickness in the ARPE-19 group was significantly better preserved than in the control group (p = 0.031). Also, the number of L-cones was higher in the ARPE-19 group, as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ARPE-19 group displayed an increased presynaptic glutamate uptake (determined via vGluT1 labelling) and enhanced post-synaptic density (determined via PSD-95 labelling). Combined Iba1 and iNOS detection revealed only minor effects of ARPE-19 cells on microglial activity, with a slight downregulation of total microglia activity apparent in the medium group. Likewise, only minor beneficial effects on photoreceptors and synaptic structure were found in the medium group. This novel system offers the opportunity to investigate interactions between the neural retina and RPE cells, and suggests that the inclusion of a RPE feeder layer has beneficial effects on the ex vivo maintenance of neural retina. By modifying the culture conditions, this coculture model allows a better understanding of photoreceptor death and photoreceptor-RPE cell interactions in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Wagner
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Armin Safaei
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia A Vogt
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Maurice R Gammel
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - H Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
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2
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Bonilla-Pons SÀ, Nakagawa S, Bahima EG, Fernández-Blanco Á, Pesaresi M, D'Antin JC, Sebastian-Perez R, Greco D, Domínguez-Sala E, Gómez-Riera R, Compte RIB, Dierssen M, Pulido NM, Cosma MP. Müller glia fused with adult stem cells undergo neural differentiation in human retinal models. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103914. [PMID: 35278743 PMCID: PMC8917309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visual impairments are a critical medical hurdle to be addressed in modern society. Müller glia (MG) have regenerative potential in the retina in lower vertebrates, but not in mammals. However, in mice, in vivo cell fusion between MG and adult stem cells forms hybrids that can partially regenerate ablated neurons. Methods We used organotypic cultures of human retina and preparations of dissociated cells to test the hypothesis that cell fusion between human MG and adult stem cells can induce neuronal regeneration in human systems. Moreover, we established a microinjection system for transplanting human retinal organoids to demonstrate hybrid differentiation. Findings We first found that cell fusion occurs between MG and adult stem cells, in organotypic cultures of human retina as well as in cell cultures. Next, we showed that the resulting hybrids can differentiate and acquire a proto-neural electrophysiology profile when the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is activated in the adult stem cells prior fusion. Finally, we demonstrated the engraftment and differentiation of these hybrids into human retinal organoids. Interpretation We show fusion between human MG and adult stem cells, and demonstrate that the resulting hybrid cells can differentiate towards neural fate in human model systems. Our results suggest that cell fusion-mediated therapy is a potential regenerative approach for treating human retinal dystrophies. Funding This work was supported by La Caixa Health (HR17-00231), Velux Stiftung (976a) and the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, (BFU2017-86760-P) (AEI/FEDER, UE), AGAUR (2017 SGR 689, 2017 SGR 926).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Àngel Bonilla-Pons
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shoma Nakagawa
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elena Garreta Bahima
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martina Pesaresi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Justin Christopher D'Antin
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain; Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Sebastian-Perez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Greco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Eduardo Domínguez-Sala
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Raúl Gómez-Riera
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Rafael Ignacio Barraquer Compte
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain; Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre On Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Montserrat Pulido
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Maria Pia Cosma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain; Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell an Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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3
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Wright P, Rodgers J, Wynne J, Bishop PN, Lucas RJ, Milosavljevic N. Viral Transduction of Human Rod Opsin or Channelrhodopsin Variants to Mouse ON Bipolar Cells Does Not Impact Retinal Anatomy or Cause Measurable Death in the Targeted Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313111. [PMID: 34884916 PMCID: PMC8658283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The viral gene delivery of optogenetic actuators to the surviving inner retina has been proposed as a strategy for restoring vision in advanced retinal degeneration. We investigated the safety of ectopic expression of human rod opsin (hRHO), and two channelrhodopsins (enhanced sensitivity CoChR-3M and red-shifted ReaChR) by viral gene delivery in ON bipolar cells of the mouse retina. Adult Grm6Cre mice were bred to be retinally degenerate or non-retinally degenerate (homozygous and heterozygous for the rd1Pde6b mutation, respectively) and intravitreally injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus AAV2/2(quad Y-F) serotype containing a double-floxed inverted transgene comprising one of the opsins of interest under a CMV promoter. None of the opsins investigated caused changes in retinal thickness; induced apoptosis in the retina or in transgene expressing cells; or reduced expression of PKCα (a specific bipolar cell marker). No increase in retinal inflammation at the level of gene expression (IBA1/AIF1) was found within the treated mice compared to controls. The expression of hRHO, CoChR or ReaChR under a strong constitutive promoter in retinal ON bipolar cells following intravitreal delivery via AAV2 does not cause either gross changes in retinal health, or have a measurable impact on the survival of targeted cells.
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4
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Eldred KC, Reh TA. Human retinal model systems: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Dev Biol 2021; 480:114-122. [PMID: 34529997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex neuronal structure that converts light energy into visual perception. Many specialized aspects of the primate retina, including a cone rich macula for high acuity vision, ocular size, and cell type diversity are not found in other animal models. In addition, the unique morphologies and distinct laminar positions of cell types found in the retina make this model system ideal for the study of neuronal cell fate specification. Many key early events of human retinal development are inaccessible to investigation as they occur during gestation. For these reasons, it has been necessary to develop retinal model systems to gain insight into human-specific retinal development and disease. Recent advances in culturing retinal tissue have generated new systems for retinal research and have moved us closer to generating effective regenerative therapies for vision loss. Here, we describe the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for different human retinal model systems including dissociated primary tissue, explanted primary tissue, retinospheres, and stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara C Eldred
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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5
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Fernandez-Bueno I, Usategui-Martin R. Ex Vivo Model of Spontaneous Neuroretinal Degeneration for Evaluating Stem Cells' Paracrine Properties. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2269:125-137. [PMID: 33687676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1225-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo neuroretina cultures closely resemble in vivo conditions, retaining the complex neuroretina cells dynamics, connections, and functionality, under controlled conditions. Therefore, these models have allowed advancing in the knowledge of retinal physiology and pathobiology over the years. Furthermore, the ex vivo neuroretina models represent an adequate tool for evaluating stem cell therapies over neuroretinal degeneration processes.Here, we describe a physically separated co-culture of neuroretina explants with stem cells to evaluate the effect of stem cells paracrine properties on spontaneous neuroretinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain
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Jemni-Damer N, Guedan-Duran A, Fuentes-Andion M, Serrano-Bengoechea N, Alfageme-Lopez N, Armada-Maresca F, Guinea GV, Perez-Rigueiro J, Rojo F, Gonzalez-Nieto D, Kaplan DL, Panetsos F. Biotechnology and Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Part II: Cell and Tissue Engineering Therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:588014. [PMID: 33363125 PMCID: PMC7758210 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.588014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an up-to-date untreatable chronic neurodegenerative eye disease of multifactorial origin, and the main causes of blindness in over 65 y.o. people. It is characterized by a slow progression and the presence of a multitude of factors, highlighting those related to diet, genetic heritage and environmental conditions, present throughout each of the stages of the illness. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly consisting on intraocular drug delivery, are only used for symptoms relief and/or to decelerate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, they are overly simplistic and ignore the complexity of the disease and the enormous differences in the symptomatology between patients. Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, different treatment options have to be considered. Cell therapy is a very promising alternative to drug-based approaches for AMD treatment. Cells delivered to the affected tissue as a suspension have shown poor retention and low survival rate. A solution to these inconveniences has been the encapsulation of these cells on biomaterials, which contrive to their protection, gives them support, and favor their retention of the desired area. We offer a two-papers critical review of the available and under development AMD therapeutic approaches, from a biomaterials and biotechnological point of view. We highlight benefits and limitations and we forecast forthcoming alternatives based on novel biomaterials and biotechnology methods. In this second part we review the preclinical and clinical cell-replacement approaches aiming at the development of efficient AMD-therapies, the employed cell types, as well as the cell-encapsulation and cell-implant systems. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages and how they could improve the survival and integration of the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Jemni-Damer
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Atocha Guedan-Duran
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - María Fuentes-Andion
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Serrano-Bengoechea
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Alfageme-Lopez
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Perez-Rigueiro
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Mejia-Vergara AJ, Karanjia R, Sadun AA. OCT parameters of the optic nerve head and the retina as surrogate markers of brain volume in a normal population, a pilot study. J Neurol Sci 2020; 420:117213. [PMID: 33271374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of the retinal structures has been described for various neurological diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Brain volume changes, both globally and by area, are associated with some of these same diseases, yet the correlation of OCT and disease is not fully elucidated. Our study looked at normal subjects, at the correlation of OCT measurements and brain volumes, both globally and for specific regions including the pericalcarine grey matter, entorhinal grey matter, and cerebellar volume using a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study design. Thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) as measured by OCT, correlated with volume of the pericalcarine grey matter, when adjusted for age and gender. Similarly, thickness of the ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer complex may be associated with both entorhinal grey matter volumes and total cerebellar volumes, although our pilot study did not reach statistical significance. This suggests that both eye and brain volumes follow a similar trajectory and understanding the inter-relationship of these structures will aid in the analysis of changes seen in disease. Further studies are needed to longitudinally demonstrate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro J Mejia-Vergara
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Oftlamo-Sanitas Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Rustum Karanjia
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Doheny Eye Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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8
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Schnichels S, Paquet-Durand F, Löscher M, Tsai T, Hurst J, Joachim SC, Klettner A. Retina in a dish: Cell cultures, retinal explants and animal models for common diseases of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100880. [PMID: 32721458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Moreover, the currently available therapeutic options are often unsatisfactory. Research designed to remedy this situation heavily relies on experimental animals. However, animal models often do not faithfully reproduce human disease and, currently, there is strong pressure from society to reduce animal research. Overall, this creates a need for improved disease models to understand pathologies and develop treatment options that, at the same time, require fewer or no experimental animals. Here, we review recent advances in the field of in vitro and ex vivo models for AMD, glaucoma, and DR. We highlight the difficulties associated with studies on complex diseases, in which both the initial trigger and the ensuing pathomechanisms are unclear, and then delineate which model systems are optimal for disease modelling. To this end, we present a variety of model systems, ranging from primary cell cultures, over organotypic cultures and whole eye cultures, to animal models. Specific advantages and disadvantages of such models are discussed, with a special focus on their relevance to putative in vivo disease mechanisms. In many cases, a replacement of in vivo research will mean that several different in vitro models are used in conjunction, for instance to analyze and validate causative molecular pathways. Finally, we argue that the analytical decomposition into appropriate cell and tissue model systems will allow making significant progress in our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may furthermore advance the treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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9
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Calzaferri F, Ruiz-Ruiz C, de Diego AMG, de Pascual R, Méndez-López I, Cano-Abad MF, Maneu V, de Los Ríos C, Gandía L, García AG. The purinergic P2X7 receptor as a potential drug target to combat neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2427-2465. [PMID: 32677086 DOI: 10.1002/med.21710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a huge social burden, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which all proposed treatments investigated in murine models have failed during clinical trials (CTs). Thus, novel therapeutic strategies remain crucial. Neuroinflammation is a common pathogenic feature of NDDs. As purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are gatekeepers of inflammation, they could be developed as drug targets for NDDs. Herein, we review this challenging hypothesis and comment on the numerous studies that have investigated P2X7Rs, emphasizing their molecular structure and functions, as well as their role in inflammation. Then, we elaborate on research undertaken in the field of medicinal chemistry to determine potential P2X7R antagonists. Subsequently, we review the state of neuroinflammation and P2X7R expression in the brain, in animal models and patients suffering from AD, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and retinal degeneration. Next, we summarize the in vivo studies testing the hypothesis that by mitigating neuroinflammation, P2X7R blockers afford neuroprotection, increasing neuroplasticity and neuronal repair in animal models of NDDs. Finally, we reviewed previous and ongoing CTs investigating compounds directed toward targets associated with NDDs; we propose that CTs with P2X7R antagonists should be initiated. Despite the high expectations for putative P2X7Rs antagonists in various central nervous system diseases, the field is moving forward at a relatively slow pace, presumably due to the complexity of P2X7Rs. A better pharmacological approach to combat NDDs would be a dual strategy, combining P2X7R antagonism with drugs targeting a selective pathway in a given NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Calzaferri
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ruiz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio M G de Diego
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo de Pascual
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iago Méndez-López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María F Cano-Abad
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Cristóbal de Los Ríos
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Gandía
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio G García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Kamar S, Howlett MHC, Klooster J, de Graaff W, Csikós T, Rabelink MJWE, Hoeben RC, Kamermans M. Degenerated Cones in Cultured Human Retinas Can Successfully Be Optogenetically Reactivated. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020522. [PMID: 31947650 PMCID: PMC7014344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biblical references aside, restoring vision to the blind has proven to be a major technical challenge. In recent years, considerable advances have been made towards this end, especially when retinal degeneration underlies the vision loss such as occurs with retinitis pigmentosa. Under these conditions, optogenetic therapies are a particularly promising line of inquiry where remaining retinal cells are made into "artificial photoreceptors". However, this strategy is not without its challenges and a model system using human retinal explants would aid its continued development and refinement. Here, we cultured post-mortem human retinas and show that explants remain viable for around 7 days. Within this period, the cones lose their outer segments and thus their light sensitivity but remain electrophysiologically intact, displaying all the major ionic conductances one would expect for a vertebrate cone. We optogenetically restored light responses to these quiescent cones using a lentivirus vector constructed to express enhanced halorhodopsin under the control of the human arrestin promotor. In these 'reactivated' retinas, we show a light-induced horizontal cell to cone feedback signal in cones, indicating that transduced cones were able to transmit their light response across the synapse to horizontal cells, which generated a large enough response to send a signal back to the cones. Furthermore, we show ganglion cell light responses, suggesting the cultured explant's condition is still good enough to support transmission of the transduced cone signal over the intermediate retinal layers to the final retinal output level. Together, these results show that cultured human retinas are an appropriate model system to test optogenetic vision restoration approaches and that cones which have lost their outer segment, a condition occurring during the early stages of retinitis pigmentosa, are appropriate targets for optogenetic vision restoration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizar Kamar
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus H. C. Howlett
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Jan Klooster
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Wim de Graaff
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Tamás Csikós
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
| | - Martijn J. W. E. Rabelink
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.J.W.E.R.); (R.C.H.)
| | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.J.W.E.R.); (R.C.H.)
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands; (S.K.); (M.H.C.H.); (J.K.); (W.d.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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11
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Characterisation and validation of the 8-fold quadrant dissected human retinal explant culture model for pre-clinical toxicology investigation. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 63:104716. [PMID: 31706033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in studying ocular toxicology is a lack of clinically-relevant retinal experimental models. In this study we describe the use of an in vitro human retinal explant strategy to generate a reproducible experimental model with utility in neuro-toxicity retinal studies. A retinal dissection strategy, referred to as the 8 fold quadrant dissection, was developed by dissecting human donor retinas into 4 fragments through the fovea in order to obtain 8 experimentally reproducible retinal explants from a single donor. This quadrant dissection gave rise to equivalent proportions of CD73+ photoreceptors and CD90+ ganglion cells in 8 fragments from a single donor and this remained stable for up to 3 days in culture. Major retinal cell types continued to be observed after 8 weeks in culture, despite breakdown of the retinal layers, suggesting the potential to use this model in long-term studies where observation of individual cell types is possible. The utility of this system was examined in a proof of principle neuro-toxicology study. We showed reproducible induction of toxicity in photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells by glutamate, cobalt chloride and hydrogen peroxide insults, and observed the therapeutic positive effects of the administration of memantine, formononetin and trolox. The quadrant dissected human retinal explants have the potential to be used in toxicology studies in human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical and Applied Science, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical and Applied Science, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Australia.
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12
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Alarautalahti V, Ragauskas S, Hakkarainen JJ, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Uusitalo H, Hyttinen J, Kalesnykas G, Nymark S. Viability of Mouse Retinal Explant Cultures Assessed by Preservation of Functionality and Morphology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1914-1927. [PMID: 31042799 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal explant cultures provide simplified systems where the functions of the retina and the effects of ocular therapies can be studied in an isolated environment. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into long-term preservation of retinal tissue in culture conditions, enable a deeper understanding of the interdependence of retinal morphology and function, and ensure the reliability of the explant technique for prolonged experiments. Methods Retinal explants from adult mice were cultured as organotypic culture at the air-medium interface for 14 days in vitro (DIV). Retinal functionality was assessed by multielectrode array technique and morphology by immunohistochemical methods at several time points during culture. Results Retinal explants retained viability for 14 DIV, although with diminishing neuronal activity, progressing neuronal loss, and increasing reactive gliosis. We recorded spontaneous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity up to 14 DIV with temporally changing distribution of RGC firing rates. Light responsiveness was measurable from RGCs for 7 DIV and from photoreceptors for 2 DIV. Apoptotic cells were detected beginning at 3 DIV with their density peaking at 7 DIV. The number of RGCs gradually decreased by 70% during 14 DIV. The change was accompanied by the loss of RGC functionality, resulting in 84% loss of electrically active RGCs. Conclusions Retinal explants provide a valuable tool for studies of retinal functions and development of ocular therapies. However, critical for long-term use, retinal functionality was lost before structural loss, emphasizing a need for both functional and morphologic readouts to determine the overall state of the cultured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Alarautalahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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13
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Labrador-Velandia S, Alonso-Alonso ML, Di Lauro S, García-Gutierrez MT, Srivastava GK, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Mesenchymal stem cells provide paracrine neuroprotective resources that delay degeneration of co-cultured organotypic neuroretinal cultures. Exp Eye Res 2019; 185:107671. [PMID: 31108056 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Through the paracrine effects of stem cells, including the secretion of neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic factors, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach to treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we used physically separated co-cultures of porcine neuroretina (NR) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to evaluate the MSC paracrine neuroprotective effects on NR degeneration. NR explants were obtained from porcine eyes and cultured alone or co-cultured with commercially available MSCs from Valladolid (MSCV; Citospin S.L.; Valladolid, Spain), currently used for several approved treatments. Cultures were maintained for 72 h. MSC surface markers were evaluated before and after co-culture with NRs. Culture supernatants were collected and the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. NR sections were stained by haematoxylin/eosin or immunostained for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), glial fibrillary acidic protein, β-tubulin III, and neuronal nuclei marker. NR morphology, morphometry, nuclei count, apoptosis rate, retinal ganglion cells, and glial cell activation were evaluated. Treatment effects were statistically analysed by parametric or non-parametric tests. The MSCs retained stem cell surface markers after co-culture with NR. BDNF and CNTF concentrations in NR-MSCV co-cultures were higher than other experimental conditions at 72 h (p < 0.05), but no GDNF was detected. NR general morphology, total thickness, and cell counts were broadly preserved in co-cultures, and the apoptosis rate determined by TUNEL assay was lower than for NR monocultures (all p < 0.05). Co-cultures with MSCV also protected retinal ganglion cells from degenerative changes and reduced reactive gliosis (both p < 0.05). In this in vitro model of spontaneous NR degeneration, the presence of co-cultured MSCs retarded neuroglial degeneration. This effect was associated with elevated concentrations of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and CNTF. Our data suggest that the paracrine secretion of these, and possibly other molecules, are a potential resource for the treatment of several neuroretinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Labrador-Velandia
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria Luz Alonso-Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Salvatore Di Lauro
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Girish K Srivastava
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain; Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
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14
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Masri RA, Lee SCS, Madigan MC, Grünert U. Particle-Mediated Gene Transfection and Organotypic Culture of Postmortem Human Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:7. [PMID: 30941264 PMCID: PMC6438245 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Particle-mediated gene transfer has been used in animal models to study the morphology and connectivity of retinal ganglion cells. The aim of the present study was to apply this method to transfect ganglion cells in postmortem human retina. Methods Postmortem human eyes from male and female donors aged 40 to 76 years old were obtained within 15 hours after death. In addition, two marmoset retinas were obtained immediately after death. Ganglion cells were transfected with an expression plasmid for the postsynaptic density 95 protein conjugated to green or yellow fluorescent protein. Retinas were cultured for 3 days, fixed and then processed with immunohistochemical markers to reveal their stratification in the inner plexiform layer. Results The retinas maintained their morphology and immunohistochemical properties for at least 3 days in culture. Bipolar and ganglion cell morphology was comparable to that observed in noncultured tissue. The quality of transfected cells in human retina was similar to that in freshly enucleated marmoset eyes. Based on dendritic field size and stratification, at least 11 morphological types of retinal ganglion cell were distinguished. Conclusions Particle-mediated gene transfer allows efficient targeting of retinal ganglion cells in cultured postmortem human retina. Translational Relevance The translational value of this methodology lies in the provision of an in vitro platform to study structural and connectivity changes in human eye diseases that affect the integrity and organization of cells in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania A Masri
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sammy C S Lee
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Grünert
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Aires ID, Boia R, Rodrigues-Neves AC, Madeira MH, Marques C, Ambrósio AF, Santiago AR. Blockade of microglial adenosine A 2A receptor suppresses elevated pressure-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in retinal cells. Glia 2019; 67:896-914. [PMID: 30667095 PMCID: PMC6590475 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a retinal degenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and damage of the optic nerve. Recently, we demonstrated that antagonists of adenosine A2A receptor (A2A R) control retinal inflammation and afford protection to rat retinal cells in glaucoma models. However, the precise contribution of microglia to retinal injury was not addressed, as well as the effect of A2A R blockade directly in microglia. Here we show that blocking microglial A2A R prevents microglial cell response to elevated pressure and it is sufficient to protect retinal cells from elevated pressure-induced death. The A2A R antagonist SCH 58261 or the knockdown of A2A R expression with siRNA in microglial cells prevented the increase in microglia response to elevated hydrostatic pressure. Furthermore, in retinal neural cell cultures, the A2A R antagonist decreased microglia proliferation, as well as the expression and release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Microglia ablation prevented neural cell death triggered by elevated pressure. The A2A R blockade recapitulated the effects of microglia depletion, suggesting that blocking A2A R in microglia is able to control neurodegeneration in glaucoma-like conditions. Importantly, in human organotypic retinal cultures, A2A R blockade prevented the increase in reactive oxygen species and the morphological alterations in microglia triggered by elevated pressure. These findings place microglia as the main contributors for retinal cell death during elevated pressure and identify microglial A2A R as a therapeutic target to control retinal neuroinflammation and prevent neural apoptosis elicited by elevated pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Dinis Aires
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Rodrigues-Neves
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Madeira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Marques
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI Consortium, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Differential expression of cyclin-dependent kinases in the adult human retina in relation to CDK inhibitor retinotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:659-671. [PMID: 30617560 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of kinases associated predominantly with cell cycle control, making CDK inhibitors interesting candidates for anti-cancer therapeutics. However, retinal toxicity (loss of photoreceptors) has been associated with CDK inhibitors, including the pan-CDK inhibitor AG-012896. The purpose of this research was to use a novel planar sectioning technique to determine CDK expression profiles in the ex vivo human retina with the aim of identifying isoforms responsible for CDK retinotoxicity. Four CDK isoforms (CDK11, 16, 17 and 18) were selected as a result of IC50 data comparing neurotoxic (AG-012986 and NVP-1) and non-neurotoxic (dinaciclib and NVP-2) CDK inhibitors, with IC50s at CDK11 showing a clear difference between the neurotoxic and non-neurotoxic drugs. CDK11 was maximally expressed in the photoreceptor layer, whereas CDK16, 17 and 18 showed maximal expression in the inner nuclear layer. CDK5 (an isoform associated with retinal homeostasis) was maximally expressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Apart from CDK18, each isoform showed expression in the photoreceptor layer. The human Müller cell line MIO-M1 expressed CDK5, 11, 16 and 17 and AG-01298 (0.02-60 µM) caused a dose-dependent increase in MIO-M1 cell death. In conclusion, CDK11 appears the most likely candidate for mediation of photoreceptor toxicity. RNA profiling can be used to determine the distribution of genes of interest in relation to retinal toxicity in the human retina.
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17
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Andrzejewski S, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Retinal explant culture: A platform to investigate human neuro-retina. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 47:274-285. [PMID: 30378239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The retina is the tissue responsible for light detection, in which retinal neurons convert light energy into electrical signals to be transported towards the visual cortex. Damage of retinal neurons leads to neuronal cell death and retinal pathologies, compromising visual acuity and eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Models of retinal neurodegeneration include 2D systems like cell lines, disassociated cultures and co-cultures, and 3D models like organoids, organotypic retinal cultures and animal models. Of these, ex vivo human retinal cultures are arguably the most suitable models for translational research as they retain complex inter-cellular interactions of the retina and precisely mimic in-situ responses. In this review, we summarize the distinguishing features of the human retina which are important to preserve in experimental culture, the historical development of human retinal culture systems, the factors affecting ex vivo human retinal culture and the applications and challenges associated with current methods of human retinal explant culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Zhang QL, Wang W, Alatantuya, Dongmei, Lu ZJ, Li LL, Zhang TZ. Down-regulated miR-187 promotes oxidative stress-induced retinal cell apoptosis through P2X7 receptor. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:801-810. [PMID: 30170060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Several microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in the retina were confirmed to involve in retinal cell apoptosis, which was closely linked with the development of retinal diseases. Our previous studies have confirmed a vital role of miR-187 in retinal cells apoptosis. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the precise role of miR-187 and its probable mechanisms in RGC-5 cells apoptosis. The cellular oxidative stress status was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Our results showed that the elevated pressure, glutamate and H2O2-induced oxidative stress in RGC-5 cells was accompanied by a decrease in miR-187 expression and an increase in P2X7R expression. However, overexpression of miR-187 reversed this activation of oxidative stress in RGC-5 cells. Moreover, we also revealed that miR-187 inhibited the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of RGC-5 cells through negative regulating P2X7R, probably through interacting with the 3'UTR of P2X7R. Finally, we confirmed that the forced miR-187 expression alleviated oxidative stress injury in retina tissues of rat models with chronic ocular hypertension. Our data demonstrated that miR-187/P2X7R signaling was involved in retinal cell apoptosis, at least in part, through activating oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongliao Hospital, No. 668, KeErQin Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028000, China
| | - Alatantuya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China
| | - Dongmei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China
| | - Lan-Lan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China
| | - Tian-Zi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, No. 1742, HuoLinHe Street, Tongliao, Neimenggu 028050, China
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19
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Azizzadeh Pormehr L, Daftarian N, Ahmadian S, Rezaei Kanavi M, Ahmadieh H, Shafiezadeh M. Human organotypic retinal flat-mount culture (HORFC) as a model for retinitis pigmentosa11. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6775-6783. [PMID: 29744916 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The splicing factor PRPF31 is the most commonly mutated general splicing factor in the retinitis pigmentosa. We used a rapid, convenient and cost effective transfection method with an efficient PRPF31 knockdown in HORFC in order to study the effect of PRPF31 downregulation on retinal gene expressions in an ex vivo model. Modified calcium phosphate method was used to transfect HORFC by PRPF31 siRNA. Different times and doses of siRNA for transfection were assayed and optimum condition was obtained. PRPF31 mRNA and protein downregulation were assessed by qRTPCR and Western blot. The tissue viability of HORFC was measured using the MTT. ImageJ analysis on stained retinal sections by immunohistochemistry was used for thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer. The PRPF31 gene downregulation effects on retinal specific gene expression were analyzed by qRTPCR. A total of 50 nM of PRPF31 siRNA transfection after 63 h in HORFC, showed the optimum reduction in the level of PRPF31 mRNA and protein as shown by qRTPCR and Western blot (over 90% and 50% respectively). The PRPF31 mRNA silencing with calcium phosphate had no effect on cell viability in the period of the experiment. Thickness measurement of outer nuclear photoreceptor layer with IHC showed the significant reduction after 63 h of study (P value = 0.02). siRNA induced PRPF31 knockdown, led to reduction of retinal specific mRNA gene expression involved in phototransduction (RHO, GNAT1, RP1), photoreceptor structure (ROM1, FSCN2, CA4, SEMA4) and transcription factor (CRX) (fold change >5), after 63 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Azizzadeh Pormehr
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narsis Daftarian
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Shafiezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Retinal organotypic culture – A candidate for research on retinas. Tissue Cell 2018; 51:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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21
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Osborne A, Sanderson J, Martin KR. Neuroprotective Effects of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor on Human Retinal Ganglion Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 36:65-78. [PMID: 29044808 PMCID: PMC5765520 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies such as glaucoma occur when retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eye are injured. Strong evidence suggests mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a potential therapy to protect RGCs; however, little is known regarding their effect on the human retina. We, therefore, investigated if human MSCs (hMSCs), or platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) as produced by hMSC, could delay RGC death in a human retinal explant model of optic nerve injury. Our results showed hMSCs and the secreted growth factor PDGF‐AB could substantially reduce human RGC loss and apoptosis following axotomy. The neuroprotective pathways AKT, ERK, and STAT3 were activated in the retina shortly after treatments with labeling seen in the RGC layer. A dose dependent protective effect of PDGF‐AB was observed in human retinal explants but protection was not as substantial as that achieved by culturing hMSCs on the retina surface which resulted in RGC cell counts similar to those immediately post dissection. These results demonstrate that hMSCs and PDGF have strong neuroprotective action on human RGCs and may offer a translatable, therapeutic strategy to reduce degenerative visual loss. Stem Cells2018;36:65–78
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Sanderson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Eye Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council, Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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22
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Schnichels S, Blak M, Hurst J, Dorfi T, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Ziemssen F, Spitzer MS, Schultheiss M. Establishment of a retinal hypoxia organ culture model. Biol Open 2017; 6:1056-1064. [PMID: 28711869 PMCID: PMC5550914 DOI: 10.1242/bio.025429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia plays an important role in several retinal diseases, especially in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Although CRAO has been known for over a hundred years, no cure or sufficient treatment is available. Potential therapies are being evaluated in several in vivo models or primary cultures. However, in vivo models or primary cultures are very time-consuming, expensive, and furthermore several therapies or agents cannot be tested. Therefore, we aimed to develop a standardized organotypic ex vivo retinal hypoxia model. A chamber was developed in which rat retinal explants were incubated for different hypoxia durations. Afterwards, the retinas were adjusted to normal air and incubated for 24, 48 or 72 h under standard conditions. To analyze the retinal explants, and in particular the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) immunohistology, western blot and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements were performed. To compare our model to a standardized degeneration model, additional retinal explants were treated with 0.5 and 1 mM glutamate. Depending on hypoxia duration and incubation time, the amount of RGCs decreased and accordingly, the amount of TUNEL-positive RGCs increased. Furthermore, β-III-tubulin expression and retinal thickness significantly decreased with longer-lasting hypoxia. The reduction of RGCs induced by 75 min of hypoxia was comparable to the one of 1 mM glutamate treatment after 24 h (20.27% versus 19.69%) and 48 h (13.41% versus 14.41%) of incubation. We successfully established a cheap, standardized, easy-to-use organotypic culture model for retinal hypoxia. We selected 75 min of hypoxia for further studies, as approximately 50% of the RGC died compared to the control group after 48 h. Summary: An easy-to-use ex vivo retinal hypoxia model is introduced that reliably induced retinal damage on a morphological (retinal thickness), and molecular (protein expression and apoptotic markers) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schnichels
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - M Blak
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Katharinen-Hospital Klinikum Stuttgart, Kriegsbergstr. 60, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - J Hurst
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - T Dorfi
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - K U Bartz-Schmidt
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - F Ziemssen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - M S Spitzer
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraβe 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Schultheiss
- Centre of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraβe 52, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Hu ZL, Li N, Wei X, Tang L, Wang TH, Chen XM. Neuroprotective effects of BDNF and GDNF in intravitreally transplanted mesenchymal stem cells after optic nerve crush in mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:35-42. [PMID: 28149774 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.01.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the neuro-protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following optic nerve crush in mice. METHODS C56BL/6J mice were treated with intravitreal injection of PBS, BMSCs, BDNF-interference BMSCs (BIM), and GDNF-interference BMSCs (GIM) following optic nerve crush, respectively. The number of surviving RGCs was determined by whole-mount retinas and frozen sections, while certain mRNA or protein was detected by q-PCR or ELISA, respectively. RESULTS The density (cell number/mm2) of RGCs was 410.77±56.70 in the retina 21d after optic nerve crush without any treatment, compared to 1351.39±195.97 in the normal control (P<0.05). RGCs in BMSCs treated eyes was 625.07±89.64/mm2, significantly higher than that of no or PBS treatment (P<0.05). While RGCs was even less in the retina with intravitreal injection of BIM (354.07+39.77) and GIM (326.67+33.37) than that without treatment (P<0.05). BMSCs injection improved the internal BDNF expression in retinas. CONCLUSION Optic nerve crush caused rust loss of RGCs and intravitreally transplanted BMSCs at some extent protected RGCs from death. The effect of BMSCs and level of BDNF in retinas are both related to BDNF and GDNF expression in BMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Li Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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24
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Dulull NK, Thrimawithana TR, Kwa FAA. Mimicking the ocular environment for the study of inflammatory posterior eye disorders. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:440-446. [PMID: 27871941 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The common inflammatory posterior eye disorders, age-related degeneration and glaucoma often lead to irreversible vision loss. Current treatments do not target early stages or prevent disease progression. Consequently, the identification of biomarkers or early disease models that can accurately mimic the pathological processes involved is essential. Although none of the existing models can recapitulate all pathological aspects of these disorders, these models have revealed new therapeutic targets. Efforts to accurately phenotype eye disorders at various disease stages are warranted to generate a 'super' model that can replicate the microenvironment of the eye and associated pathological hallmarks effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeela K Dulull
- Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Thilini R Thrimawithana
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Faith A A Kwa
- Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
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25
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Osborne A, Hopes M, Wright P, Broadway DC, Sanderson J. Human organotypic retinal cultures (HORCs) as a chronic experimental model for investigation of retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2015; 143:28-38. [PMID: 26432917 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing need for models of human diseases that utilise native, donated human tissue in order to model disease processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this paper we assessed the suitability of adult human retinal explants as a potential model of chronic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Our results confirmed that RGC markers commonly used in rodent studies (NeuN, βIII Tubulin and Thy-1) were appropriate for labelling human RGCs and followed the expected differential expression patterns across, as well as throughout, the macular and para-macular regions of the retina. Furthermore, we showed that neither donor age nor post-mortem time (within 24 h) significantly affected the initial expression levels of RGC markers. In addition, the feasibility of using human post mortem donor tissue as a long-term model of RGC degeneration was determined with RGC protein being detectable up to 4 weeks in culture with an associated decline in RGC mRNA and significant, progressive, apoptotic labelling of NeuN(+) cells. Differences in RGC apoptosis might have been influenced by medium compositions indicating that media constituents could play a role in supporting axotomised RGCs. We propose that using ex vivo human explants may prove to be a useful model for testing the effectiveness of neuroprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Marina Hopes
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Phillip Wright
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - David C Broadway
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Julie Sanderson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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26
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Maekawa Y, Onishi A, Matsushita K, Koide N, Mandai M, Suzuma K, Kitaoka T, Kuwahara A, Ozone C, Nakano T, Eiraku M, Takahashi M. Optimized Culture System to Induce Neurite Outgrowth From Retinal Ganglion Cells in Three-Dimensional Retinal Aggregates Differentiated From Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:558-68. [PMID: 25880804 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1038359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a practical research tool for studying the pathogenesis of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) diseases, we optimized culture procedures to induce neurite outgrowth from three-dimensional self-organizing optic vesicles (3D-retinas) differentiated in vitro from mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The developing 3D-retinas isolated at various time points were placed on Matrigel-coated plates and cultured in media on the basis of the 3D-retinal culture or the retinal organotypic culture protocol. The number, length, and morphology of the neurites in each culture condition were compared. RESULTS First, we confirmed that Venus-positive cells were double-labeled with a RGC marker, Brn3a, in the 3D-retina differentiated from Fstl4::Venus mouse ESCs, indicating specific RGC-subtype differentiation. Second, Venus-positive neurites grown from these RGC subsets were positive for beta-III tubulin and SMI312 by immunohistochemistry. Enhanced neurite outgrowth was observed in the B27-supplemented Neurobasal-A medium on Matrigel-coated plates from the optic vesicles isolated after 14 days of differentiation from mouse ESCs. For the differentiated RGCs from human ESCs, we obtained neurite extension of >4 mm by modifying Matrigel coating and the culture medium from the mouse RGC culture. CONCLUSION We successfully optimized the culture conditions to enhance lengthy and high-frequency neurite outgrowth in mouse and human models. The procedure would be useful for not only developmental studies of RGCs, including maintenance and projection, but also clinical, pathological, and pharmacological studies of human RGC diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Maekawa
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Akishi Onishi
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Keizo Matsushita
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,c Regenerative and Cellular Medicine Office, Sumitomo Dainippon Phama Co., Ltd , Kobe , Japan
| | - Naoshi Koide
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Suzuma
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Takashi Kitaoka
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,e Environmental Health Science Laboratory , Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. , Osaka , Japan , and
| | - Chikafumi Ozone
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Tokushige Nakano
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,e Environmental Health Science Laboratory , Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. , Osaka , Japan , and
| | - Mototsugu Eiraku
- f Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
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27
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Osborne A, Aldarwesh A, Rhodes JD, Broadway DC, Everitt C, Sanderson J. Hydrostatic pressure does not cause detectable changes in survival of human retinal ganglion cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115591. [PMID: 25635827 PMCID: PMC4312031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma. One consequence of raised IOP is that ocular tissues are subjected to increased hydrostatic pressure (HP). The effect of raised HP on stress pathway signaling and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in the human retina was investigated. METHODS A chamber was designed to expose cells to increased HP (constant and fluctuating). Accurate pressure control (10-100 mmHg) was achieved using mass flow controllers. Human organotypic retinal cultures (HORCs) from donor eyes (<24 h post mortem) were cultured in serum-free DMEM/HamF12. Increased HP was compared to simulated ischemia (oxygen glucose deprivation, OGD). Cell death and apoptosis were measured by LDH and TUNEL assays, RGC marker expression by qRT-PCR (THY-1) and RGC number by immunohistochemistry (NeuN). Activated p38 and JNK were detected by Western blot. RESULTS Exposure of HORCs to constant (60 mmHg) or fluctuating (10-100 mmHg; 1 cycle/min) pressure for 24 or 48 h caused no loss of structural integrity, LDH release, decrease in RGC marker expression (THY-1) or loss of RGCs compared with controls. In addition, there was no increase in TUNEL-positive NeuN-labelled cells at either time-point indicating no increase in apoptosis of RGCs. OGD increased apoptosis, reduced RGC marker expression and RGC number and caused elevated LDH release at 24 h. p38 and JNK phosphorylation remained unchanged in HORCs exposed to fluctuating pressure (10-100 mmHg; 1 cycle/min) for 15, 30, 60 and 90 min durations, whereas OGD (3 h) increased activation of p38 and JNK, remaining elevated for 90 min post-OGD. CONCLUSIONS Directly applied HP had no detectable impact on RGC survival and stress-signalling in HORCs. Simulated ischemia, however, activated stress pathways and caused RGC death. These results show that direct HP does not cause degeneration of RGCs in the ex vivo human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Amal Aldarwesh
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy D. Rhodes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - David C. Broadway
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Everitt
- Pfizer Ltd, Design Centre of Excellence, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Sanderson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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28
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Primary retinal cultures as a tool for modeling diabetic retinopathy: an overview. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:364924. [PMID: 25688355 PMCID: PMC4320900 DOI: 10.1155/2015/364924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) have had a crucial role in the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disease and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Most of these studies have been conducted in vivo, in animal models. However, a significant contribution has also been provided by studies on retinal cultures, especially regarding the effects of the potentially toxic components of the diabetic milieu on retinal cell homeostasis, the characterization of the mechanisms on the basis of retinal damage, and the identification of potentially protective molecules. In this review, we highlight the contribution given by primary retinal cultures to the study of DR, focusing on early neuroglial impairment. We also speculate on possible themes into which studies based on retinal cell cultures could provide deeper insight.
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Sanderson J, Dartt DA, Trinkaus-Randall V, Pintor J, Civan MM, Delamere NA, Fletcher EL, Salt TE, Grosche A, Mitchell CH. Purines in the eye: recent evidence for the physiological and pathological role of purines in the RPE, retinal neurons, astrocytes, Müller cells, lens, trabecular meshwork, cornea and lacrimal gland. Exp Eye Res 2014; 127:270-9. [PMID: 25151301 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights recent findings that describ how purines modulate the physiological and pathophysiological responses of ocular tissues. For example, in lacrimal glands the cross-talk between P2X7 receptors and both M3 muscarinic receptors and α1D-adrenergic receptors can influence tear secretion. In the cornea, purines lead to post-translational modification of EGFR and structural proteins that participate in wound repair in the epithelium and influence the expression of matrix proteins in the stroma. Purines act at receptors on both the trabecular meshwork and ciliary epithelium to modulate intraocular pressure (IOP); ATP-release pathways of inflow and outflow cells differ, possibly permitting differential modulation of adenosine delivery. Modulators of trabecular meshwork cell ATP release include cell volume, stretch, extracellular Ca(2+) concentration, oxidation state, actin remodeling and possibly endogenous cardiotonic steroids. In the lens, osmotic stress leads to ATP release following TRPV4 activation upstream of hemichannel opening. In the anterior eye, diadenosine polyphosphates such as Ap4A act at P2 receptors to modulate the rate and composition of tear secretion, impact corneal wound healing and lower IOP. The Gq11-coupled P2Y1-receptor contributes to volume control in Müller cells and thus the retina. P2X receptors are expressed in neurons in the inner and outer retina and contribute to visual processing as well as the demise of retinal ganglion cells. In RPE cells, the balance between extracellular ATP and adenosine may modulate lysosomal pH and the rate of lipofuscin formation. In optic nerve head astrocytes, mechanosensitive ATP release via pannexin hemichannels, coupled with stretch-dependent upregulation of pannexins, provides a mechanism for ATP signaling in chronic glaucoma. With so many receptors linked to divergent functions throughout the eye, ensuring the transmitters remain local and stimulation is restricted to the intended target may be a key issue in understanding how physiological signaling becomes pathological in ocular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darlene A Dartt
- Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vickery Trinkaus-Randall
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesus Pintor
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mortimer M Civan
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Delamere
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas E Salt
- Department of Visual Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Antje Grosche
- Institute of Human Genetics, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claire H Mitchell
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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30
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Time course modifications in organotypic culture of human neuroretina. Exp Eye Res 2012; 104:26-38. [PMID: 23022403 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize organ culture of human neuroretina and to establish survival and early degeneration patterns of neural and glial cells. Sixteen neuroretina explants were prepared from 2 postmortem eyes of 2 individuals. Four explants were used as fresh retina controls, and 12 were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 days of culture. Neuroretina explants (5 × 5 mm) were cultured in Transwell(®) dishes with the photoreceptor layer facing the supporting membrane. Culture medium (Neurobasal A-based) was maintained in contact with the membrane beneath the explant. Cryostat and ultrathin sections were prepared for immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Neuroretinal modifications were evaluated after toluidine blue staining and after immunostaining for neuronal and glial cell markers. Ultrastructural changes were analyzed by electron microscopy. From 0 to 9 days in culture, there was progressive retinal degeneration, including early pyknosis of photoreceptor nuclei, cellular vacuolization in the ganglion cell layer, decrease of both plexiform layer thicknesses, disruption and truncation of photoreceptor outer segments (OS), and marked reduction in the number of nuclei at both nuclear layers where the cells were less densely packed. At 3 days there was swelling of cone OS with impairment of pedicles, loss of axons and dendrites of horizontal and rod bipolar cells that stained for calbindin (CB) and protein kinase C (PKC-α), respectively. After 9 days, horizontal cells were pyknotic and without terminal tips. There were similar degenerative processes in the outer plexiform layer for rod bipolar cells and loss of axon terminal lateral varicosities in the inner plexiform layer. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining did not reveal a dramatic increase of gliosis in Müller cells. However, some Müller cells were CB immunoreactive at 6 days of culture. Over 9 days of culture, human neuroretina explants underwent morphological changes in photoreceptors, particularly the OS and axon terminals, and in postsynaptic horizontal and bipolar cells. These early changes, not previously described in cultured human samples, reproduce some celullar modifications after retinal damage. Thus, this model may be suitable to evaluate therapeutic agents during retinal degeneration processes.
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