Rapid hippocampal network adaptation to recurring synchronous activity--a role for calcineurin

Neuronal networks are thought to gradually adapt to altered neuronal activity over many hours and days. For instance, when activity is increased by suppressing synaptic inhibition, excitatory synaptic transmission is reduced. The underlying compensatory cellular and molecular mechanisms are thought to contribute in important ways to maintaining normal network operations. Seizures, due to their massive and highly synchronised discharging, probably challenge the adaptive properties of neurons, especially when seizures are frequent and intense - a condition common in early childhood. In the experiments reported here, we used rat and mice hippocampal slice cultures to explore the effects that recurring seizure-like activity has on the developing hippocampus. We found that developing networks adapted rapidly to recurring synchronised activity in that the duration of seizure-like events was reduced by 42% after 4 h of activity. At the same time, the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in pyramidal cells, the expression of biochemical biomarkers for glutamatergic synapses and the branching of pyramidal cell dendrites were all dramatically reduced. Experiments also showed that the reduction in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits and postsynaptic density protein 95 expression were N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent. To explore calcium signaling mechanisms in network adaptation, we tested inhibitors of calcineurin, a protein phosphatase known to play roles in synaptic plasticity and activity-dependent dendrite remodeling. We found that FK506 was able to prevent all of the electrophysiological, biochemical, and anatomical changes produced by synchronised network activity. Our results show that hippocampal pyramidal cells and their networks adapt rapidly to intense synchronised activity and that calcineurin play an important role in the underlying processes.

The evolutionary dynamics of influenza A virus adaptation to mammalian hosts

Few questions on infectious disease are more important than understanding how and why avian influenza A viruses successfully emerge in mammalian populations, yet little is known about the rate and nature of the virus' genetic adaptation in new hosts. Here, we measure, for the first time, the genomic rate of adaptive evolution of swine influenza viruses (SwIV) that originated in birds. By using a curated dataset of more than 24 000 human and swine influenza gene sequences, including 41 newly characterized genomes, we reconstructed the adaptive dynamics of three major SwIV lineages (Eurasian, EA; classical swine, CS; triple reassortant, TR). We found that, following the transfer of the EA lineage from birds to swine in the late 1970s, EA virus genes have undergone substantially faster adaptive evolution than those of the CS lineage, which had circulated among swine for decades. Further, the adaptation rates of the EA lineage antigenic haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes were unexpectedly high and similar to those observed in human influenza A. We show that the successful establishment of avian influenza viruses in swine is associated with raised adaptive evolution across the entire genome for many years after zoonosis, reflecting the contribution of multiple mutations to the coordinated optimization of viral fitness in a new environment. This dynamics is replicated independently in the polymerase genes of the TR lineage, which established in swine following separate transmission from non-swine hosts.

Palmitoylation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

It is well established that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) undergo a number of different posttranslational modifications, such as disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, and phosphorylation. Recently, our laboratory has developed more sensitive assays of protein palmitoylation that have allowed us and others to detect the palmitoylation of relatively low abundant proteins such as ligand-gated ion channels. Here, we present evidence that palmitoylation is prevalent on many subunits of different nAChR subtypes, both muscle-type nAChRs and the neuronal "alpha(4)beta(2)" and "alpha(7)" subtypes most abundant in brain. The loss of ligand binding sites that occurs when palmitoylation is blocked with the inhibitor bromopalmitate suggests that palmitoylation of alpha(4)beta(2) and alpha(7) subtypes occurs during subunit assembly and regulates the formation of ligand binding sites. However, additional experiments are needed to test whether nAChR subunit palmitoylation is involved in other aspects of nAChR trafficking or whether palmitoylation regulates nAChR function. Further investigation would be aided by identifying the sites of palmitoylation on the subunits, and here we propose a mass spectrometry strategy for identification of these sites.

Use of Echocardiography to Assess Function of hDAF-Transgenic Pig Cardiac Xenografts

The current standard of hand palpation may not be a sensitive method to detect rejection in heterotopic heart xenotransplants (HHTx). We sought to assess the use of echocardiography to detect rejection of pig heart xenografts. Four cynomolgus monkeys received HHTx from hDAF-transgenic pigs. Immunosuppression was cyclophosphamide induction, cyclosporine, steroids, sodium mycophenolate, alphaGal trisaccharide polymer, +/-soluble complement receptor type 1. Echocardiography was performed immediately after HHTx and three times a week postoperatively. Contractility on echo was scored as 1(none), 2(severely impaired), 3(moderate to severely impaired), 4(moderately impaired), 5(mild to moderately impaired), 6(mildly impaired), or 7(normal). Left ventricle wall thickness (LVWT) was measured in the anterior, inferior, posterior, lateral, and septal walls, the average was calculated. Impaired contractility or increase in LVWT were considered rejection and treated with steroids (solumedrol 15 mg/kg IV for 3-5 days). Palpation score (4-strong to 1-none) was recorded daily. Myocardial biopsies were obtained infrequently. At the time of first rejection, all four monkeys had an increase in LVWT and a decrease in contractility on echocardiography. Steroid treatment enhanced contractility in four monkeys and decreased LVWT in three monkeys. Palpation score remained at four of four during initial rejection episodes. Decrease in contractility and increase in LVWT on echocardiography appear to signify graft injury because steroid treatment results in improvement. Compared to palpation, echocardiography is more sensitive for assessing function of heterotopic pig heart xenografts. Echocardiography has, therefore, the potential to detect and treat early rejection episodes of heterotopic heart xenografts in nonhuman primates. This may help to achieve longer graft survival.

Characteristics of optic nerve damage induced by chronic intraocular hypertension in rat

PURPOSE

To set up the Sharma's chronic intraocular hypertension model and investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as the optic nerve damage of this model in rat.

METHODS

The operations of the chronic intraocular hypertension model were performed as described by Sharma in 60 Male Lewis albino rats. IOP was measured using the Tono-Pen XL immediately after surgery and then at 5 day, 2 week or 4 week intervals. Cresyl violet staining of whole-mounted retinas was used to label retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), then RGCs were counted. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) staining was performed in the semi-thin cross sections of optic nerve of rat, in order to know whether the axons of optic nerve were degenerated or not.

RESULTS

There were 47 rats with higher IOP after the episcleral veins cauterized in 60 rats. The ratio of elevated IOP was 78.3%. The IOPs were stable in 4 weeks. After cresyl violet staining, the RGCs loss was 11.0% and 11.3% was found in the central and peripheral retina respectively after 2 weeks of increased IOP. After 4 weeks of increased IOP, the loss of RGCs was 17% for the central retina and 24.6% for the peripheral retina. In the retinas without higher IOP, there was no loss of RGCs. PPD staining showed that optic nerve of rat with about 5.3% damage of axons located at the superior temporal region. Region of affected optic nerve 1 mm posterior to the globe by light microscope showed evidence of damaged axons with axonal swelling and myelin debris.

CONCLUSION

Sharma's chronic intraocular hypertension model is a reproducible and effective glaucoma model, which mimics human glaucoma with chronically elevation IOP and induced RGCs loss and damage of optic nerve.

Proliferation and apoptosis in the epithelium of the developing human cornea and conjunctiva

To determine the distribution of proliferating and apoptotic cells in the human cornea during prenatal and early postnatal development, we examined sections of the bulbar conjunctiva, the limbus as well as the central and peripheral cornea between 11 weeks of gestation and 6 months after birth. The objective was to localize dividing cells by proliferating cell nuclear antigen-like immunoreactivity (PCNA-LI) and apoptotic cells by terminal transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Before the 17th gestational week, PCNA-LI was absent in all 4 regions examined, indicating negligible cell proliferation during early development. After 20 weeks, strong PCNA-labeling was observed in all regions examined suggestive of high proliferative activity not only in the limbus and the bulbar conjunctiva, but also in the central and peripheral cornea. This rise in proliferative activity was followed by a steady decline: after 28 weeks, anti-PCNA staining gradually disappeared in the central and peripheral cornea, so that, at 6 months after birth, it was confined to the limbus and the bulbar conjunctiva, resembling the picture described for the adult cornea. TUNEL-positive cells were virtually absent in all 4 regions examined before the 38th gestational week. Apoptotic cells only started to appear at 38 weeks; at this stage, they were confined to the bulbar conjunctival epithelium. At 6 months after birth, TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the bulbar conjunctival epithelium and the entire cornea; the limbus, however remained devoid of apoptotic cells throughout the entire prenatal and early postnatal period. The present study for the first time localizes proliferating and apoptotic cells in the epithelium of the developing human cornea. Three stages of development can be distinguished: Minimal proliferation (until 17th week), vigorous proliferation over the entire cornea including the limbus and the bulbar conjunctiva (until 28th week) and gradual decrease in proliferative activity (after 28th week) accompanied by the appearance of apoptotic cells.

Reduced amplitude and delayed latency in foveal response of multifocal electroretinogram in early age related macular degeneration

AIM

To explore the use of multifocal electroretinograms (MERG) in detecting early changes in age related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHOD

15 pre-AMD or early AMD eyes showing retinal drusen or irregular fundus pigmentation with window defects by fluorescein angiography (FA) and mildly decreased visual acuity were examined and compared with their asymptomatic fellow eyes. 20 age matched normal eyes were included as controls. MERG was recorded by a Veris system (version 3.0) using a 103 hexagon stimulus and 218 second total recording time per eye. The first order kernel was used to calculate amplitudes and latencies in three configurations: the nasal and the temporal areas, the superior and the inferior areas, and six concentric rings centred on the fovea.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the amplitudes and the latencies between the different regions (nasal versus temporal and superior versus inferior) of the retina as well as between the different groups of eyes (normal, pre-AMD or early AMD, and the asymptomatic fellow eyes) in each region. Using the concentric configuration, the foveal amplitude of pre-AMD or early AMD eyes was significantly suppressed when compared with the age matched control group and their average latency was longer in the fovea than in outer rings and significantly prolonged when compared with the normal control group. Similar changes in amplitude and latency were also observed in the asymptomatic fellow eyes.

CONCLUSION

Significant abnormality in the foveal amplitude and the foveal latency of MERG could be detected in pre-AMD or early AMD eyes as well as their asymptomatic contralateral eyes, suggesting MERG as a sensitive tool in detecting early foveal abnormalities in AMD.

N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) induced apoptosis in adult rabbit retinas

Previously we showed that apoptosis is involved in N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) induced excitotoxicity in adult rat retinas. Since rabbits have a higher endogenous level of glutamate in the retina and very different retinal structures, it is not clear if apoptosis is similarly involved in adult rabbit retinas after intravitreal injection of NMDA. In this study, we used ultrastructural features, TdT-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and two caspase inhibitors to examine whether apoptosis is involved in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in adult rabbit retinas. At 18 hr after an intravitreal injection of 400 nmoles NMDA, typical apoptotic features in degenerative cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) were noted by electron microscopy. TUNEL positive nuclei were detected in these layers as early as 4 hr showing maximal numbers at 18 hr. At 7 days, significant loss of nuclei from the RGCL was noted at the visual streak, the superior and the inferior retinas. These losses were abolished by simultaneous administration of MK-801 and ameliorated by YVAD, a caspase-1 inhibitor, but not by IETD, a caspase-8 inhibitor. These results indicated that, similar to adult rat retinas, apoptosis is involved in NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in rabbit retinas and that specific caspases may play important roles.

Post-treatment at 12 or 18 hours with 3-aminobenzamide ameliorates retinal ischemia-reperfusion damage

PURPOSE

The window of protection afforded by 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA), a poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, against apoptotic loss of inner retinal elements after ischemia-reperfusion insult in rats was examined.

METHODS

Ischemia-reperfusion injury to the retinas in albino Lewis rats was induced by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) through cannulation of the anterior chamber with a needle connected to a saline column delivering a pressure of 110 mm Hg. The ischemic period was held at 60 minutes, and reperfusion was established immediately afterward. 3-Aminobenzamide (3-ABA) was administered intravitreally at 0, 4, 8, 12, 18, or 24 hours after reperfusion and its effect evaluated by morphology and morphometry of the inner retinas at 7 days after reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry of poly-(ADP-ribose), a product of PARP activity, and Western blot analysis for PARP were performed on retinas at 0, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Morphology and morphometry showed significantly better preserved inner retinas in animals receiving 3-ABA between 12 and 18 hours after reperfusion. Immunohistochemical study of poly-(ADP-ribose) showed elevated levels at the retinal ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer at 12 and 18 hours after reperfusion. Western blot analysis of PARP showed a notable increase in the 116-kDa band (PARP) from 4 to 18 hours after reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of 3-ABA at 12 or 18 hours after ischemia, when there was accumulation of poly-(ADP-ribose) in the inner retina, significantly ameliorated retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. These findings, together with earlier reports from our laboratory, are consistent with a late and pivotal role of PARP in apoptotic loss of inner retinal elements after ischemia-reperfusion insult to the retina.

c-Fos protein in photoreceptor cell death after photic injury in rats

PURPOSE

To examine the involvement of c-Fos protein in light-induced photoreceptor cell death in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two Lewis albino rats were exposed to green fluorescent light (480-520 nm) of 300 to 320 foot-candles (3228-3443.2 lux) for 3 hours, allowed to recover in the dark, and euthanatized at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, or 96 hours after light exposure. c-Fos was detected immunohistochemically and nicked DNA by in situ TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Double labeling of c-Fos and DNA nicks was also performed.

RESULTS

There was a time-dependent change in the number of c-Fos-positive photoreceptor nuclei after light injury, which paralleled the change in the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei. The temporal and spatial appearance of these nuclei also matched the appearance of pyknotic nuclei of the outer nuclear layer. Double-labeling study revealed that some c-Fos-positive nuclei were also TUNEL-positive nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an acute accumulation of c-Fos protein in photoreceptors associated with cell death. This study further supports other studies showing that c-Fos is linked to apoptotic photoreceptor cell death.

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)--induced apoptosis in rat retina

PURPOSE

The involvement of apoptosis in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity in adult rat retinas was examined.

METHODS

Excitotoxic loss of inner retinal elements was induced by intravitreal injections of various concentrations of neutralized NMDA in adult albino Lewis rats. Tissue responses were quantified by measuring the inner retinal thickness (IRT) in plastic sections of the retinas and cell counts in the retinal ganglion cell layer in flatmount preparations of the whole retinas. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, was assayed with agarose DNA gel electrophoresis. The in situ TdT-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to locate nicked DNA in paraffin sections of the retinas. Ultrastructural changes of the degenerating cells were examined by electron microscopy. The efficacy of Ac-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-CMK (YVAD-CMK), a peptidyl caspase inhibitor, and 3-aminobenzamide (ABA), an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), in ameliorating the loss of inner retinal elements was evaluated using morphometry to examine the apoptotic pathways.

RESULTS

Intravitreal injection of NMDA induced a dose-dependent loss of inner retinal elements as evidenced by the measurements of IRT and RGCCs. There were time- and dose-related appearances of internucleosomal fragmentation of retinal DNA and a time-related appearance of TUNEL-positive nuclei in the inner retinas after intravitreal NMDA injection. Ultrastructural features consistent with classic apoptotic changes were noted in degenerating cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. Control retinas given vehicle, N-methyl-L-aspartate (the L-isomer of NMDA), or NMDA plus MK-801, a specific antagonist, did not show these changes. Simultaneous administration of NMDA and YVAD-CMK or ABA abolished or attenuated the loss of RGCCs in the posterior retinas.

CONCLUSIONS

NMDA-induced excitotoxicity involved apoptosis and caspases and PARP may play important roles in the pathways.

Apoptosis and caspases after ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat retina

PURPOSE

Extensive cell loss in the retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) was noted in a rat model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by transient elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The possible involvement of apoptosis and caspases was examined in this model of neuronal loss.

METHODS

Transient elevated IOP was induced in albino Lewis rats through the insertion of a needle into the anterior chamber connected to a saline column. Elevated IOP at 110 mm Hg was maintained for 60 minutes. Groups of animals were euthanatized at various times after reperfusion, and their retinas were evaluated by morphology, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA, in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry of caspases II (ICH1) and III (CPP32), and morphometry. YVAD.CMK, a tetrapeptide inhibitor of caspases, was used to examine the involvement of caspases.

RESULTS

A marked ladder pattern in retinal DNA gel analysis, typical of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and characteristic of apoptosis, was present 12 and 18 hours after reperfusion. Labeling of nuclei in the RGCL and the inner nuclear layer (INL) by TUNEL was noted between 8 and 18 hours after reperfusion. Histologic and ultrastructural features typical of apoptosis were also observed in the inner retina after ischemia. YVAD.CMK administered during the ischemic period inhibited apoptotic fragmentation of retinal DNA and ameliorated the tissue damage. When administered intravitreally 0, 2, or 4 hours after reperfusion, YVAD.CMK was also effective in preserving the inner retina but had no significant effect when administered 6 or 8 hours after reperfusion. The inner retina showed transient elevated immunoreactivity of caspases II and III 4 and 8 hours after reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion after transient elevated IOP induced apoptosis of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the INL. Caspases may have a pivotal role in the early events of the apoptotic pathway(s). Rescue by using anti-apoptotic agents after ischemia-reperfusion is feasible.

Iron-induced apoptosis in the photoreceptor cells of rats

PURPOSE

To determine whether apoptosis is involved in retinal degeneration induced by intravitreal implantation of 5 iron particles in rat eyes.

METHODS

Autoclaved iron particles were implanted in the vitreous cavities of the experimental eyes. Glass chips were implanted in the control eyes. The experimental eyes were enucleated at various time intervals from days 1 to 15. Retinal degeneration was examined using the TdT-mediated, dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Electrophoresis on agarose gel was used to detect internucleosomal DNA fragmentation.

RESULTS

TUNEL-positive nuclei were observed only in the outer nuclear layer beginning on day 2. The nuclei spread throughout the outer nuclear layer by the end of day 3. No TUNEL-positive nuclei were observed in other layers throughout the experimental period. Analysis of DNA, extracted from the retinas by electrophoresis on agarose gel, revealed a typical ladder pattern of internucleosomal DNA cleavage in the experimental eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis occurred during photoreceptor cell death at the early phase of iron-induced retinopathy in these rats. Like photic injury, iron-induced apoptosis was limited to the outer nuclear layer.

The effect of high-dose methylprednisolone on laser-induced retinal injury in primates: an electron microscopic study

BACKGROUND

Previously we reported an ameliorative effect of high-dose methylprednisolone in laser injury to monkey retinas. The ultrastructural modification by methyl-prednisolone has not been examined.

METHODS

Cynomolgus monkeys were given severe (grade III) retinal laser burns and treated with an intravenous megadose of methylprednisolone. Pathologic features of the retinal lesions with or without methylprednisolone treatment were evaluated by light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Ultrastructurally, the treated lesions showed rapid recanalization of choriocapillaris; proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium to replace the necrotic and damaged cells, resulting in rapid re-establishment of blood retinal barrier; mild macrophagic activity; and rapid reformation of the outer limiting membrane by Mueller cells.

CONCLUSION

A high dose of methylprednisolone affected the responses of the choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptor cells and Mueller cells to laser injury, showing an overall beneficial effect. These modifications might be ascribed to methylprednisolone's anti-inflammatory action, protection of the microcirculation and anti-lipid peroxidation effect.

Ameliorative effect of MK-801 on retinal ischemia

The efficacy of MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, was evaluated in a rat model of retinal ischemia induced by elevated intraocular pressure. Intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 at 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg was given immediately after reperfusion. At 7 days after reperfusion, the inner retinal thickness, as measured from histologic sections of the retinas, of the 10 mg/kg treated group showed significant beneficial effect, while the other doses had no significant effect. Retinal ganglion cell counts on flat preparations of the retinas showed a beneficial dose dependent effect of MK-801 with the lowest dose showing no effect, 3 mg/kg showing marginal effects and 10 mg/kg showing significant effects. Intravitreal infusion of MK-801 during the ischemic period suppressed ischemia/reperfusion-induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation measured at 18 hours after the insult as well as retinal tissue responses measured at 7 days. These findings suggested that the NMDA receptors may have an important role in ischemia-reperfusion insult as well as in mediating ischemia-induced apoptosis of retinal neurons. In addition, we demonstrated that pharmacological modulation of apoptotic cell death may affect the final tissue responses in vivo.

The effect of 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, on ischemia/reperfusion damage in rat retina

Excitotoxic amino acids, such as glutamate, may play an important role in retinal ischemia/reperfusion damage. In central neurons, excitotoxicity may be mediated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) causing DNA damage via nitric oxide (NO). The nicked DNA activates poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) and may deplete intracellular ATP resulting in cell death. PARP may also be involved in apoptosis. We used 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA), a PARP inhibitor, to examine the possible involvement of PARP in a rat model of retinal ischemia. Retinal ischemia was induced by elevating the intraocular pressure (IOP) through the insertion of a needle into the anterior chamber of a rat eye. IOP was raised to 110 mm Hg for 60 minutes. Animals were given intracameral infusion of 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100 mM 3-ABA in 0.1 M PBS, pH 7.4 during ischemia. Morphologic and morphometric evaluation at 7 days after reperfusion showed that 3-ABA at 3 mM and above significantly ameliorated the ischemic/reperfusion damage to the retina. In addition, at 10 mM 3-ABA inhibited the characteristic ladder pattern in DNA gel analysis seen in apoptosis of retinal neurons after ischemia/reperfusion. Hence, PARP may be involved in retinal cell loss after ischemia/reperfusion insult probably through the apoptotic pathway.

A pathologic study of degeneration of the rod and cone populations of the rhodopsin Pro347Leu transgenic pigs

PURPOSE

Transgenic pigs with rhodopsin (Pro347Leu) mutation exhibited rod-cone degeneration. We compared the pathologic characteristics of the rod degeneration versus those of the cone cells.

METHODS

The posterior and peripheral retinas of these transgenic pigs of age 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 33 weeks and normal pigs of age 4 and 8 weeks were studied by light and EM and morphometry.

RESULTS

The pathologic changes observed in the posterior and peripheral retinas of the transgenic pigs could be conveniently described in 3 phases: I) an initial phase of rapid and extensive degeneration of the rod cells in the first 6 weeks of age; II) an acute phase of cone cell degeneration involving approximately half of the population and lingering rod degeneration in the 6 to 12 weeks of age; and III) a partial cone recovery to be followed by a chronic degenerative phase of the remaining cones cells from 12 to 33 weeks of age.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the degenerative changes of rod cells could be differentiated from those of the cone cells. Cone and rod populations degenerated along different time schedule with different pathologic features. Hence, treatment for retinitis pigmentosa might vary with the different stages of the disease.

Expression of a mutant opsin gene increases the susceptibility of the retina to light damage

The question of whether the expression of mutant opsin predisposes the retina to light damage was addressed using transgenic mice that express rhodopsin with three point mutations near the N-terminus of the molecule. The mutations involve the substitution of histidine for proline at position 23 (P23H), glycine for valine at position 20 (V20G), and leucine for proline at position 27 (P27L). These mice express equal amounts of mutant and wild-type transcripts, and develop a progressive photoreceptor degeneration that is similar to that seen in human retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The P23H mutation is associated with the most frequently occurring form of human autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) in the United States. Transgenic and normal littermates were exposed to illuminance of 300 foot-candles (ft-c) for 24 h, then placed in darkness for either 6 h, 6 days, or 14 days. Histological and biochemical techniques were used to evaluate the outer retina in light-exposed and control animals reared on 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. The results indicate that light exposure accelerates the pathological changes associated with the transgene expression. Compared with transgenic animals reared in ambient cyclic light, retinas from light-exposed mice had a reduced rhodopsin content, fewer photoreceptor cell bodies, and less preservation of retinal structure. Data obtained from normal mice did not differ for the lighting regimens used. These findings suggest that the expression of VPP mutations in the opsin gene predisposes the transgenic photoreceptors to be more susceptible to light damage. The data also suggest that reducing photic exposure may be beneficial to any patient with RP mediated by an opsin mutation.

Characterization of a 30-kDa Borrelia burgdorferi substrate-binding protein homologue

A Borrelia burgdorferi chromosomal gene encodes a 30-kDa antigen (P30) that has considerable homology with periplasmic substrate-binding proteins of Gram-negative bacteria, and is recognized by antibodies in sera from a subset of patients with Lyme disease and from B. burgdorferi-infected mice. The p30 gene is 801 nucleotides in length and P30 contains 267 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 30 kDa. The P30 amino acid region 36-258 has homology to conserved domains of the oligopeptide permease A of Gram-negative bacteria. Immunofluorescence studies using murine anti-P30 serum suggest that P30 is on the outer surface of B. burgdorferi. P30 expression could be detected in representatives of all 3 subspecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato, but not in all of the tested strains. Antibodies to P30 were detected in sera of 18 out of 82 patients (22%) with Lyme disease, including individuals with early- or late-stage infection. Although antibodies to P30 are present in the sera of C3H/HeN mice infected with B. burgdorferi for at least 90 days, immunization with recombinant P30 does not protect mice from infection. We conclude that P30 is a putative substrate-binding protein of B. burgdorferi and is immunologically recognized in human and murine Lyme borreliosis.

Inhibition of complement, evoked antibody, and cellular response prevents rejection of pig-to-primate cardiac xenografts

Complement (C) inhibition alone using a recombinant soluble form of complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) prevents hyperacute rejection but not subsequent irreversible accelerated acute rejection of discordant pig-to-cynomolgus monkey cardiac xenografts, which occurs within 1 week. To inhibit accelerated acute rejection, which is associated with a rise in serum xenoreactive antibody (Ab) and a cellular infiltrate, triple therapy with standard immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, and steroids [CCS]) was combined with continuous C inhibition using sCR1. Each of two monkeys that received sCR1 + CCS showed minimal evidence of rejection when killed on days 21 and 32 in comparison to a monkey that received sCR1 + subtherapeutic CCS (rejected at 11 days) and a control that received CCS alone (rejected at 38 min). Prolonged xenograft survival was associated with low Ab levels and a minimal cellular infiltrate, suggesting that combined inhibition of C, xenoreactive Ab responses, and cellular immunity may be a useful approach in overcoming the immune barriers to discordant xenotransplantation.

A comparison of continuous versus intermittent light exposure on apoptosis

PURPOSE

We recently found that continuous light exposure at a moderate intensity triggered apoptosis of photoreceptor cells. Since intermittent light exposure is known to cause more severe retinal damage than is continuous light exposure, we sought to determine if intermittent light exposure also triggered apoptosis of photoreceptor cells.

METHODS

Lewis albino rats were reared, for 2 weeks, in cyclic light and dark adapted for 24 hr before light exposure. Rats were exposed to intermittent light or continuous light for 6 or 9 hr, respectively. Light-exposed rats were killed by lethal injection at three timepoints: immediately after light exposure, after 6 hr of dark recovery following light exposure and after 24 hr of dark recovery following light exposure. Retinal damage after light exposure was evaluated by morphology, morphometry, the terminal transferase-mediated biotin dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique for identification of nicked/cleaved nuclear DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis of retinal DNA.

RESULTS

Evaluation of morphology confirmed that intermittent light exposure caused more photoreceptor cell damage than did continuous light exposure of the same duration and intensity. The TUNEL technique showed that photoreceptor nuclei contained nicked or cleaved DNA after either intermittent or continuous light exposure, although more TUNEL-positive nuclei were observed after intermittent exposure. Agarose gel electrophoresis of retinal DNA showed internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, which is associated with apoptosis in samples from intermittent light exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrated that intermittent light exposure triggered apoptosis in more photoreceptor cells than did continuous light exposure of the same intensity and duration.

Tissue transglutaminase in apoptosis of photoreceptor cells in rat retina

PURPOSE

The possible involvement of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in apoptosis during photoreceptor degeneration was examined in retinal photic injury in rats and in retinal dystrophy of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats.

METHODS

Retinal photic injury was induced in 48 male Lewis albino rats by exposure to green fluorescent light of 300 to 320 foot-candles. The retinal tTG was examined by enzyme assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis after 9, 12, or 24 hours of exposure or at 6 or 24 hours of dark adaptation after 24 hours of light exposure. Retinas from RCS rats at various stages of degeneration also were examined with similar methods.

RESULTS

There was a progressive increase in retinal tTG activity after 300 to 320 ft-c of light exposure, reaching a peak after 24 hours of light exposure. In the RCS rats, tTG activity increased with age. Western blot analysis revealed an immunoreactive band at 80 kDa, which increased in accordance with the transglutaminase activity in both models. In normal rat retinas, tTG immunolabeling was present only in the outer segments. There was an increased number of immunolabeled photoreceptor nuclei from 12 hours of light exposure to 24 hours of light exposure. In the RCS rat, increasing numbers of immunopositive photoreceptor nuclei from 20 to 50 days of age were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The data associated increased retinal tTG activity and enzyme levels with photoreceptor cells undergoing apoptosis. The tTG-dependent irreversible cross-linking of intracellular protein may play an important role in causing the structural changes in cells undergoing apoptosis in the retina.

Disturbances in the distribution of neurotransmitters in the rat retina after ischemia

PURPOSE

Disturbances in neurotransmitter distribution have been observed in cerebral ischemia in the pathophysiologic process of excitotoxicity. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of pressure-induced retinal ischemia on the distribution of the retinal neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the rat retina.

METHODS

Animals were subjected to increased intraocular pressure of 110 mm Hg for 45 min using an intracameral hydrostatic pressure device. The distribution of glutamate and GABA immunoreactivity (IR) was determined at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hrs after reperfusion by immunogold with silver intensification.

RESULTS

Three phases of neurotransmitter immunoreactivity patterns were discernible following retinal ischemia. Immediately following reperfusion (Phase I), a shift of GABA-IR from inner retinal neurons to the Mueller cells and their processes was noted. In contrast, despite marked decreases in neuronal glutamate-IR, a less pronounced shift of glutamate-IR to the Muller cells was simultaneously noted. This shift of neurotransmitter IR to the Mueller cells was transient with the gradual reappearance of IR within the inner retinal neurons noted 2-8 hrs after reperfusion (Phase II). Phase III began at 8 hrs after reperfusion with progressive loss of GABA-IR noted in the inner retina; by 24 hrs, secondary loss of inner retinal glutamate-IR was evident with corresponding dropout and pyknosis of inner retinal neurons apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of glutamate-IR and GABA-IR was significantly altered following retinal ischemia. The alteration noted in Phase I suggested that the regulation of glutamate by Mueller cells was disrupted by this ischemic insult leading to glutamate excitotoxicity, and delayed neuronal cell degeneration as evidenced by the subsequent loss of inner retinal immunoreactivity in Phase III.

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors ameliorate retinal damage induced by ischemia in rats

The dose effects of two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and N omega-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), were evaluated in an established rat model of retinal ischemia using morphometry of the inner retina: inner retinal thickness (IRT) measurements and retinal ganglion cell counts (RGCCs) of the posterior and peripheral retina. By IRT and RGCCs of the posterior retina, there were dose dependent beneficial effects of both inhibitors. However, by RGCCs of the peripheral retina, there was no significant beneficial effect by either inhibitor. In addition, L-NMMA at 0.3 mg/kg aggravated the loss of RGC in both the posterior and peripheral retina. An important role and a possible differential site of action of NOS in the pathophysiology of retinal ischemia are implicated.

Photic injury triggers apoptosis of photoreceptor cells

Apoptosis, a highly regulated and energy-dependent process of cell death, plays an important part in normal tissue development. Its role in pathological conditions may vary. Earlier morphologic studies suggest that apoptosis may be an important mechanism in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. In this study, we determined if photic exposure triggers apoptosis in photoreceptor cells in an established model of photoreceptor degeneration by light exposure. Twenty eight Lewis albino rats were divided into seven groups of 4 animals each: one group served as the unexposed control; and the other groups were exposed continuously to green fluorescent light (320 foot-candles) for 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 hours, respectively and killed for histopathological examination, biochemical isolation of retinal DNA; and in situ analysis of nicked nuclear DNA by terminal transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Histopathological study revealed morphological changes comparable to previous reports on photic injury. Electrophoretic analysis of DNA showed internucleosomal DNA cleavage as early as 12 hours of light exposure. The fluorescent intensity of DNA fragments, which were monomers and multimers of 180-200 base pairs, increased with the duration of light exposure. TUNEL technique, which localized DNA cleavage to the photoreceptor cell nuclei as early as 6 hours of light exposure, showed that the number of TUNEL positive nuclei increased with light exposure, and revealed more DNA degradation in the superior quadrant. Our findings confirmed earlier morphologic observations that photic exposure triggers apoptosis of photoreceptor cells.

Retinal injury by neodymium: YAG laser

BACKGROUND

More than 83 cases of retinal laser injury were reported in the literature. Most of these cases involved direct exposure of the patient's retina to laser. The authors observed two patients who had laser injury to the retina caused by the reflected beams from a pulsed neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) laser.

METHODS

The clinical course of each patient after laser injury to the macular area with an Nd:YAG laser were followed for 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 months.

RESULTS

Both patients were graduate students and were injured by the reflected beams of short-pulsed Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm). The affected eyes showed similar clinical courses with early subretinal/retinal/vitreous hemorrhage, resorption of blood, and subsequent macular pucker and macular hole formation, although the students' visual acuity improved. The unaffected eye of patient #2 showed chorioretinal scars, possibly from a previously unreported laser injury.

CONCLUSION

The clinical courses of these two cases resembled earlier reported ones showing hemorrhage and subsequent macular pucker and macular hole formation. The two cases reflect the need for closer examination of the standard procedures in laser handling. Unintended laser injury to the retina may be higher than reported in workers handling lasers.

Stability of cyclosporine 1% in artificial tears

We wished to determine the stability of frozen, refrigerated, and room temperature topical cyclosporine 1% in artificial tears (Tears Plus). Cyclosporine 1% eye drops were made in artificial tears prior to the manufacturers recommendations of using a lipid soluble vehicle, such as olive oil. Patients preferred the artificial tears preparation over the oil based cyclosporine product. Because of the good clinical response and the reluctance of patients to change to the oil vehicle product, we determined the stability of cyclosporine 1% in artificial tears. Cyclosporine 1% was prepared in artificial tears (polyvinyl alcohol 1.4% and povidone 0.6%) by adding 1 ml of the injectable (50 mg/ml) cyclosporine into 4 ml of the artificial tears solution. Each bottle was frozen at -20 degrees C for one month and then the cyclosporine concentration was determined after thawing and refrigeration or storage at room temperature. Refrigerated stability was determined after thawing for up to 28 days and room temperature stability was determined for up to 1 week after thawing. Cyclosporine concentration was determined by HPLC analysis. None of the samples exhibited any significant loss of cyclosporine at any time period. Frozen cyclosporine appears stable when frozen in a 1% solution for one month. Cyclosporine 1% in artificial tears is stable for up to 28 days in the refrigerator or at least 7 days at room temperature. Because of the ease of preparation, the proven clinical effectiveness of the product and better patient acceptance, we continue to make this product.

TEMPOL, a superoxide dismutase mimic, ameliorates light-induced retinal degeneration

The efficacy of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-l-oxyl (TEMPOL), a metal independent superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic, in ameliorating light-induced retinal degeneration was investigated. Thirty-six Lewis albino rats were exposed to green fluorescent light (490-580 nm, 160-180 foot-candles) for 24 hr, after dark adaptation for 24 hr. The animals received six intraperitoneal (IP) injections of TEMPOL (100 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline solution (vehicle-treated control groups) at 6 hr intervals starting 6 hr before the light exposure and ending 24 hr after light exposure. Another six rats were used as unexposed controls. The animals were killed at 6 hr, 6 days and 14 days after light exposure. Retinal damage was assessed by light and electron microscopy, measurements of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and rhodopsin levels and counting of macrophages in the subretinal space. After light exposure, the TEMPOL-treated rats showed mild edema of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), less densified inner segments (IS) at 6 hr and better preserved photoreceptors at 6 days and 14 days compared with vehicle-treated control groups. Morphometrically the ONL was thicker in the TEMPOL-treated rats than in the vehicle-treated control at 6 days (p<0.01) and 14 days (p<0.05) but no significant difference occurred at 6 hr (p>0.05). Rhodopsin levels in the TEMPOL-treated rats were significantly higher at 6 days (p<0.05) but not at 6 hr (p>0.05) or 14 days (p>0.05). Our results demonstrated that TEMPOL ameliorated light-induced retinal degeneration in rats. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that superoxide radicals may play a crucial role in mediating light-induced retinal degeneration.

Inhibition of neutrophil adhesion and the membrane attack complex of complement synergistically prolongs cardiac xenograft survival

BACKGROUND

Hyperacute xenograft rejection is affected by activation of the complement cascade. Split products of early complement components influence the localization, activation, and effector function of platelets, granulocytes, and lymphocytes, whereas the formation of the membrane attack complex (C5b-9) leads to direct cellular injury. In a unique strain of PVG rats deficient in the C6 component of complement, the terminal membrane attack complex is not formed. However, production of the chemotactic and vasoactive components C3a and C5a proceeds normally. Guinea pig cardiac xenografts in these C6-deficient rats have prolonged survival, and at the time of rejection the inflammatory infiltrate is composed primarily of neutrophils. NPC 15669, a member of a class of antiinflammatory agents called leumedins, is known to inhibit neutrophil adhesion. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inhibition of neutrophil recruitment in animals incapable of membrane attack complex formation would prolong cardiac xenograft survival.

METHODS

Cardiac xenografts from male Hartley guinea pigs were heterotopically grafted into PVG (C-) and PVG (C+) male rats. Experimental animals received 20 mg/kg of NPC 15669 i.v. before cross-clamp release and 10 mg/kg of NPC 15669 intravenously on postoperative day 1. Control animals received intravenous saline solution only.

RESULTS

Complement sufficient PVG (C+) rats rejected cardiac xenografts hyperacutely despite mode of treatment: PVG (C+) rats which received saline solution (n = 5) rejected their xenografts at 10.8 +/- 2.6 minutes, and those receiving NPC 15669 (n = 5) rejected at 13.9 +/- 5.3 minutes. Histologic examination showed edema, platelet aggregation, and hemorrhage but no cellular inflammatory infiltrate. As expected, complement-deficient PVG (C-) rats had markedly longer xenograft survival in the saline solution-treated group (n = 5) with graft function being sustained 14.7 +/- 6.1 hours. NPC 15669 treatment (n = 4) further prolonged graft function to 61.0 +/- 4.7 hours. In addition to edema, platelet aggregation, and hemorrhage, histologic analysis of these grafts at the time of rejection was characterized by an infiltration of neutrophils.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that neutrophils play a critical role in cardiac xenograft rejection when complement activation is restricted. Combined inhibition of complement and neutrophil adhesion prolongs xenograft survival longer than inhibition of either component alone.

Extrahepatic synthesis of C6 in the rat is sufficient for complement-mediated hyperacute rejection of a guinea pig cardiac xenograft

The liver is the major source of complement (C) components, but extrahepatic sources of C, such as macrophages and endothelial cells, have been hypothesized to contribute to inflammation. Our experiments demonstrate that extrahepatically produced C6 can contribute to hyperacute rejection. PVG (RT1c) rats with normal C activity (PVG (C+)) reject guinea pig cardiac xenografts in 0.5 +/- 0.2 hr, but fully C6-deficient PVG (RT1c) rats (PVG (C-)) reject guinea pig cardiac xenografts in 45 +/- 9 hr. PVG (C+) rats, which received liver transplants from PVG (C-) rats and retained all extrahepatic sources of C6, rejected guinea pig cardiac xenografts in 0.6 +/- 0.03 hr (n = 3). PVG (C-) rats, which received bone marrow transplants from PVG (C+) rats, had C6 levels restored to 10% of that of the donor and rejected guinea pig cardiac xenografts in 9 +/- 3.2 hr (n = 5). Thus, extrahepatic sources of C6 can contribute to xenograft rejection.

Systemic hypertension exaggerates retinal photic injury

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether chronic systemic hypertension alters the response of photoreceptors to photic stress.

METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats and strain-matched, normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to green fluorescent light (490 to 580 nm, 180 to 200 foot-candles) for 24 hours. Retinal changes were evaluated by histopathologic examination, morphometry of the outer nuclear layer, and rhodopsin levels.

RESULTS

Before light exposure, spontaneously hypertensive rats developed elevated systolic blood pressure and showed mild sclerosis of choroidal vasculature. After exposure, retinas of the spontaneously hypertensive rats revealed exaggerated light damage with increased loss of photoreceptor cells, more distortion, and shortening of the inner and outer segments relative to the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The outer nuclear layer thickness and rhodopsin level were significantly lower in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats by day 14 after light exposure.

CONCLUSION

Photic injury to photoreceptor cells was exaggerated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This may have clinical relevance given the association of both systemic hypertension and light exposure in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

The effect of aurintricarboxylic acid, an endonuclease inhibitor, on ischemia/reperfusion damage in rat retina

Apoptosis is a form of cell death distinct from necrosis showing distinctive morphologic features and may require energy. It is under various control mechanisms and may involve an endonuclease, which cleavages genomic DNA in the internucleosomal linker regions. Previously, we reported that ischemic/reperfusion injury to rat retina induced endonuclease mediated apoptosis of retinal neurons. In this study, we examined the effect of aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), an endonuclease inhibitor, on ischemia/reperfusion damage in rat retina in our established rat model. A single intraperitoneal injection of ATA at 2 mg/kg given immediately after 60 minutes of ischemia to the retina showed no observable effect. At 10 mg/kg, there was notable beneficial effect morphologically but not morphometrically. ATA at 100 mg/kg showed significant effect both morphologically and morphometrically. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that endonuclease mediated apoptosis may be involved in retinal cell loss after ischemia/reperfusion insult.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor in retinal ischemia

PURPOSE

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a 17- to 24-kDa protein known to be essential for the survival of neurons, induced fiber outgrowth of ganglion cells in cultures of rat retina and rescued photoreceptor cell loss in the retina of Royal College of Surgeon rats. The authors evaluated the efficacy of bFGF in rescuing the neuronal loss in rat retina after retinal ischemia.

METHODS

Retinal ischemia was induced in 29 eyes of 17 albino Lewis rats by increasing the intraocular pressure to 110 mm Hg for 45 minutes via an intracameral catheter. A total of 800 ng of bFGF was delivered into the anterior chamber at the time of induction of ischemia. Sixteen eyes of nine rats received bFGF, and 13 eyes of eight rats received heparin in phosphate-buffered saline as vehicle control. The animals were euthanized 7 or 14 days after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Morphologic examination of the retinas at both time points showed that necrosis of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and thinning of the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers were less severe in the bFGF-treated eyes than in the vehicle-treated eyes. On morphometric examination, 7 days after reperfusion, the mean thickness of the inner retinal layers and the RGC counts on flat preparations of retina in both the posterior and the peripheral portions of the retina were significantly higher in the bFGF-treated eyes than in the vehicle-treated eyes (P < 0.02). At 14 days, similar beneficial effects were noted in all morphometric parameters, except RGC counts in the posterior pole.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that bFGF partially protects the RGCs and other inner retinal elements from ischemic injury.

Partial destruction of Borrelia burgdorferi within ticks that engorged on OspE- or OspF-immunized mice

We determined whether Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface proteins (Osps) E and F could elicit immune responses useful for a Lyme disease vaccine. Thirty days after challenge with B. burgdorferi, mice produced antibodies to OspE but not OspF, whereas antibodies to OspF were present in sera of mice obtained 90 days after infection. Examination of sera from patients with Lyme disease revealed antibodies to OspF in a small number (14%) of early-stage disease patients but in a majority (58%) of patients with late-stage disease, while antibodies to OspE were rarely detected in patients. Mice immunized with recombinant OspE or OspF produced high titers of antibodies to OspE or OspF, respectively. OspF-immunized mice were partially protected from both intradermal syringe challenge and tick-mediated transmission of B. burgdorferi while vaccination with OspE did not confer immunity. B. burgdorferi organisms were, however, substantially destroyed within ticks that engorged on either OspE- (75% reduction in the number of spirochetes within the ticks, compared with controls) or OspF (90% reduction in the number of spirochetes within the ticks)-immunized mice.

Apoptosis leads to photoreceptor degeneration in inherited retinal dystrophy of RCS rats

PURPOSE

To determine the pathogenetic mechanism of photoreceptor cell degeneration in the inherited retinal dystrophy in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats.

METHODS

The dystrophic retinas of the pink-eyed RCS (RCS-rdy-p) rats were examined for DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis of retinal DNA and by TdT-mediated biotin-dUDP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) in paraffin sections. Rats ranging in age from 3 to 60 days were examined.

RESULTS

Agarose gel electrophoresis of retinal DNA isolated from animals 25, 30, 35, and 40 days old showed a ladder pattern of degradation with bands corresponding to multiples of 180 to 200 base pair subunits. TUNEL study showed increasing labeling of photoreceptor cells with progression of the retinal dystrophy of the RCS rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis is the dominant mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in the RCS rat, which has a genetic defect in the phagocytic activity of retinal pigment epithelium. The onset of the degeneration appeared to vary between rod cells in the different regions of the eye.

A chromosomal Borrelia burgdorferi gene encodes a 22-kilodalton lipoprotein, P22, that is serologically recognized in Lyme disease

We describe the isolation of the gene encoding a 22-kDa antigen from Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The p22 gene is 582 nucleotides in length and encodes a protein of 194 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 21.8 kDa. The leader signal sequence of P22 consists of a positively charged short amino terminus, a central hydrophobic domain, and at the carboxyl terminus, a cleavage site that is presumably recognized and cleaved by a B. burgdorferi signal peptidase. P22 has 98.5% homology with the recently described B. burgdorferi protein IpLA7. P22 is processed as a lipoprotein, as demonstrated by [3H]palmitate labeling. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that p22, like LA7, is localized to the linear chromosome of B. burgdorferi. Examination of sera from patients with Lyme disease revealed that antibodies to P22 are rarely detected in patients with early-stage disease characterized by erythema migrans (2 of 20), and 35% of the patients with late-stage disease characterized by arthritis (9 of 26) developed antibodies to P22. Sera from patients with syphilis did not react with P22. When patients with late-stage disease were tested for their antibody reactivities to four other outer surface proteins (OspA), OspB, OspE, and OspF), 75% of these patients responded to P22 or to one or more outer surface proteins.

Comparison of peroxidases in the retina, choroid and red blood cells

Most of the peroxidase activity in the bovine retina is specific to glutathione (GSH) while the choroid contains both GSH peroxidases and ascorbate peroxidase. The GSH peroxidase was clearly separated from ascorbate peroxidase on a cation exchange column. The nonspecific peroxidase activity of hemoproteins accounts for the peroxidase activity detected by ascorbate oxidation. All choroidal hemoproteins contain subunits very similar to those of hemoglobin. The absence of ascorbate peroxidase in the retina indicates that the protective effect of ascorbate against photic injury is not due to its reaction with retinal peroxidase. Therefore removal of H2O2 by ascorbate peroxidase activity in the choroid could be a significant factor in studies where serum ascorbate concentrations are artificially raised far above the normal level concurrent to a very small rise in retinal ascorbate concentration.

Outer surface proteins E and F of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease

We report the cloning and characterization of two outer surface proteins (Osps), designated OspE and OspF, from strain N40 of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease. The ospE and ospF genes are structurally arranged in tandem as one transcriptional unit under the control of a common promoter. The ospE gene, located at the 5' end of the operon, is 513 nucleotides in length and encodes a 171-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 19.2 kDa. The ospF gene, located 27 bp downstream of the stop codon of the ospE gene, consists of 690 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 230 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 26.1 kDa. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that the ospE and ospF genes are located on a 45-kb plasmid. Comparison of the leader sequences of OspE and OspF with those of the four known B. burgdorferi Osps (OspA, OspB, OspC, and OspD) reveals a hydrophobic domain and a consensus cleavage sequence (L-X-Y-C) recognized by signal peptidase II, and [3H]palmitate labeling shows that OspE and OspF are lipoproteins. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that both the OspE and OspF proteins are surface exposed. These features are consistent with the finding that OspE and OspF are B. burgdorferi surface lipoproteins.

Injuries induced by diffuse photodynamic action in retina and choroid of albino rats. Morphologic study of an experimental model

BACKGROUND

The morphologic changes of the retina, choroid, and respective vasculatures in an experimental model of diffuse photothrombosis and photodynamic injury were studied.

METHODS

After intravenous injection of rose bengal (40 mg/kg), eyes of 21 albino rats were exposed to a light intensity of 15-17,000 ft-cd for 2 to 15 minutes. Survival times ranged from 15 minutes to 6 days. The specimens were studied by light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Photothrombosis of retinal and choroidal vessels was variable in extension and duration. Vascular lesions included vacuolation and sloughing off of endothelium, and necrosis and apoptosis of pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Retinal and choroidal injuries exhibited considerable regional and structural differences, such as predominance in the outer versus inner retina, or focal versus diffuse injury.

CONCLUSION

Damage produced by this model was irregular in extent and character, due to several hard-to-control parameters. It was presumably due not only to ischemia but also to free radical chain reactions initiated by photodynamic action. This model may not be suitable for rapid quantitative assessment of ischemic retinal injury, but it provides opportunities for the investigation of pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Intravitreal delivery of ganciclovir in rabbits by transscleral iontophoresis

To avoid the side effects of systemic administration of ganciclovir (GCV) for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, we studied transscleral iontophoresis of GCV into rabbit eyes. After a single application with 20% (w/w) aqueous solution of GCV at 1.0 mA for 15 min gave a vitreal/retinal level of GCV at 74 +/- 17 micrograms/ml at 2 hours as determined by HPLC. At 24 hours after iontophoresis the vitreal/retinal level was above therapeutic level at 4.2 +/- 0.6 micrograms/ml. At 72 hours, there was still detectable level in the vitreous/retina. Hence, transscleral iontophoresis is able to deliver effective dose of GCV into the vitreous. Multiple applications of iontophoresis should be examined as a possible means of CMV treatment.

Correlation of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase activity to the sensitivity of rat retinas to photic injury

We hypothesize that the differential susceptibility to photic injury among different strains of rat retinas may depend on the levels of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) activity, one of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes in the retina. The retinas of four inbred strains of albino rat (Fischer, Wistar, Buffalo and Lewis) were analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity using H2O2, cumene hydroperoxide, and phospholipid hydroperoxide as assay substrates. In all four strains of rat, PHGPX was observed only in the high salt extract of the retina, while peroxidases determined by H2O2 or cumene hydroperoxide were observed mainly in the low salt extract. PHGPX was highest (66.7 mU/mg) in the most light-resistant Fischer strain and lowest in the most light-sensitive Lewis strain (31.9 mU/mg), while the activity levels in the moderately light-sensitive Buffalo and Wistar strains were 46.6 and 38.5 mU/mg, respectively. In contrast, there was no significant difference in peroxidases determined by H2O2 or cumene hydroperoxide among the four strains. These observations suggested that, in rat retina, the membrane-associated PHGPX may have an important role in the defense against light-induced free radical damage.

The effects of naloxone on retinal ischemia in rats

The efficacy of naloxone (NL), a broad spectrum opioid antagonist, on retinal ischemia, was evaluated in a rat model of retinal ischemia with histopathologic and morphometric criteria. Two intraperitoneal injections of naloxone 3 mg/kg given immediately and 6 hr after reperfusion showed beneficial effects to the retina as evaluated at 2, 7, and 14 days after reperfusion. Morphologically, the naloxone-treated group showed better-preserved ganglion cells, nerve fiber layer, and inner nuclear layer. Morphometrically, in the treated groups, inner retinal thickness at all three time points and ganglion cell counts at 7 days showed higher values than vehicle controls. This beneficial effect of naloxone was dose-dependent with a minimal effective total dose of 6 mg/kg. A possible role of opiate receptors in retinal ischemia is suggested.

Methylprednisolone therapy in laser injury of the retina

The efficacy of methylprednisolone in argon-laser-induced retinal injury in primates was evaluated by clinical, histopathologic, and morphometric criteria. Methylprednisolone was given with a loading dose of 30 mg/kg followed by 5.4 mg/kg per hour in three different regimens: (1) starting 24 h before laser and continuing for 4 days; (2) starting immediately after laser and continuing for 4 days; and (3) starting immediately after laser and continuing for 8 h. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and histologic examination showed significant beneficial effects of all three treatments compared to controls. Morphometrically, at the center of the lesion, the width of disrupted outer nuclear layer, the width of the affected RPE, and the percentage of residual photoreceptor nuclei confirmed the efficacies of treatment regimens 1 and 2, but not treatment regimen 3.

Intraocular dexamethasone penetration via subconjunctival or retrobulbar injections in rabbits

Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we compared tissue levels of dexamethasone in the aqueous, vitreous, retina, and choroid of rabbits, 1 and 4 hours following subconjunctival or retrobulbar injection. One hour following injection, dexamethasone levels in all of these tissues were similar in both the subconjunctival and retrobulbar groups. Four hours following injection, the concentrations in the two groups also were similar, except in the choroid, in which the subconjunctival injection yielded significantly lower dexamethasone levels than the retrobulbar injection. Tissue steroid levels were comparable ipsilateral and contralateral to the injected eyes in both treatment groups after 4 hours, except in the retina, in which the levels were lower in the contralateral eye after subconjunctival injection. These data suggest that dexamethasone absorption and delivery is predominantly hematogenous following both subconjunctival and retrobulbar injection, especially in highly vascular tissues, such as the choroid. Hematogenous delivery of dexamethasone appears to peak earlier in the choroid and presumably in other intraocular tissues following subconjunctival injections, while retrobulbar injections provide more steady, long-term delivery.

Amelioration of retinal photic injury by a combination of flunarizine and dimethylthiourea

Free radical scavengers and a calcium overload blocker have been demonstrated separately to ameliorate light-induced retinal degeneration, suggesting that both free radical formation and increased intracellular calcium levels are involved in the pathologic changes of this disease process. To understand the relationship between these two mechanisms, we studied the ameliorative effects of combined treatment with flunarizine and dimethylthiourea as well as individual treatment with either drug in a rat model of light-induced retinal degeneration. At 6 hr and 6 and 14 days after light exposure, morphologic and morphometric studies of the retinas from the rats receiving the combined treatment demonstrated better-preserved retinal pigment epithelial cells, photoreceptor elements, and nuclei than did retinas from rats receiving treatment with either flunarizine or dimethylthiourea alone. Rhodopsin level measurements at 6 and 14 days further substantiated the results of the protective effects on the photoreceptor outer segments. Because we used a saturating dose for dimethylthiourea, the enhanced ameliorative effect of the combination treatment suggested that free radical formation and elevated intracellular calcium levels were two separate mechanisms in light-induced retinal degeneration.

Effects of glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzymes on bovine trabecular meshwork in organ culture

We evaluated the effects of three specific glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzymes, chondroitinase ABC, testicular hyaluronidase, and heparinase, on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the anterior chamber structures of bovine eyes. The anterior segment of freshly enucleated bovine eyes was perfused in a modified organ culture system. After each enzyme solution or its corresponding vehicle was introduced into the anterior chamber, the IOP was monitored for </=6 h. Compared to the control group, the chondroitinase ABC-treated group showed a significant IOP reduction after 1 h of perfusion. Testicular hyaluronidase and heparinase did not show any significant effect. Light microscopy revealed that chondroitinase ABC and testicular hyaluronidase induced detachment of the endothelial cells from trabecular beams in the uveal meshwork. Disruption of the tissues in the juxtacanalicular region and fragmentation of the endothelial cells facing the angular aqueous plexus were observed in the chondroitinase ABC- and heparinase-treated specimens. Electron microscopic study revealed detachment of trabecular meshwork cells from the beams and rupture of the inner wall of the aqueous plexus in all the enzyme-treated eyes. Cellular organelles and architectures were better preserved in chondroitinase ABC-treated eyes than those treated with hyaluronidase and heparinase. These results indicate that chondroitinase ABC has a pronounced effect on the IOP with relatively minor effect on the trabecular meshwork structures.

Therapeutic parameters of methylprednisolone treatment for retinal photic injury in a rat model

Methylprednisolone (MP) has been prescribed for the treatment of solar retinopathy presumably because of its anti-inflammatory effect. Recently, high doses of MP have been shown to ameliorate light-induced photoreceptor degeneration, and the mechanism of action was suggested to be the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. In this study we examined the dose-response effect and the effect of delayed treatment with MP in an established rat model of retinal photic injury. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of either MP (8, 160, or 320 mg/kg/day) or saline solution (as a control) for 2 days. Injections were started simultaneously with the commencement of light exposure or delayed for 6 or 24 h. The animals were sacrificed 6 days after light exposure, and the retinal damage was assessed by light microscopy and morphometric measurement of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness. Morphologically and morphometrically, treatment with 8 mg/kg/day of MP was not effective, while treatment with 160 mg/kg/day caused better preserved photoreceptors and a thicker ONL compared with the controls (P less than 0.001). Animals administered with a dose of 320 mg/kg/day showed more severe damage to photoreceptors, resulting in a thinner ONL (P less than 0.05). When treatment with 160 mg/kg/day was delayed for 6 h, a similar efficacy as in the no-delay group was noted, but when treatment was delayed for 24 h, no beneficial effect was observed (P = 0.19). Our results demonstrated that early treatment with high doses of MP ameliorated retinal photic injury in rats.

Protective effects of flunarizine on ischemic injury in the rat retina

Intracellular calcium overload has been implicated to be a major factor in triggering cell death after ischemic neuronal injury. We investigated the effects of flunarizine hydrochloride, a calcium-overload blocker, on pressure-induced retinal ischemia in a rat model. Retinal ischemia was induced in intraocular pressure to 110 mm Hg for 45 minutes. Two regimens of treatment with flunarizine were examined: (1) prophylactic treatment, in which flunarizine was administered before ischemia and in the early phase of reperfusion; and (2) postischemic treatment, in which flunarizine was administered only in the early phase of reperfusion. Injury was evaluated morphologically and morphometrically by measuring the thickness of the inner retinal layers on plastic-embedded retinal sections and by counting the retinal ganglion cells on retinal flat preparations. By morphologic and morphometric criteria, a significant but partial protection of the inner retinal layers was noted in the groups given either regimen. This protective effect of flunarizine suggests that elevated intracellular calcium concentration may play an important role in ischemic retinal injury.