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Apoptosis is present in the primate macula at all ages
A C Lambooij1, M Kliffen, R W Kuijpers
1Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. lambooij@gen.fgg.eur.nl
Summary
Apoptosis occurs in the aging primate macula, with cell death potentially increasing in older individuals. This process may contribute to thinning of the macula over time.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Apoptosis is a key mechanism in photoreceptor cell death in retinal degenerations.
- The role of apoptosis in the aging primate macula requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and prevalence of apoptosis in the physiologically aging primate macula.
- To correlate apoptosis rates with age-related changes in macular structure and protein expression.
Main Methods:
- TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) assay to detect apoptosis in rhesus monkey maculae (aged 6-34 years).
- Confocal and transmission electron microscopy for morphological analysis of apoptotic cells.
- Image analysis to measure outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness.
- Immunohistochemistry to assess expression of Bcl-x, Fas, and Fas Ligand proteins.
Main Results:
- TUNEL-positive nuclei exhibited apoptotic morphology.
- Apoptotic cells were sparsely distributed, primarily in the ONL, at similar rates across ages.
- ONL thickness decreased with age, with a notable increase in apoptosis in the oldest subjects.
- Expression levels of Bcl-x, Fas, and Fas Ligand remained consistent across all age groups.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis occurs in the primate macula throughout life at relatively constant rates.
- A potential increase in apoptosis in the oldest age group may contribute to age-related macular thinning.
- The expression of key apoptosis-regulating proteins does not appear to change with age in the primate macula.