Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
10:19
Measurement of Energy Metabolism in Explanted Retinal Tissue Using Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Energy metabolism in human retinal Müller cells
B S Winkler1, M J Arnold, M A Brassell
1Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309, USA. winkler@oakland.edu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 1, 2000
Summary
Cultured human Müller cells primarily use glycolysis for energy, even with oxygen, and can survive glucose deprivation. This metabolic flexibility protects them from retinal ischemia and hypoglycemia.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Müller cells are crucial glial cells in the human retina.
- Understanding their energy metabolism is key to retinal health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate energy metabolism and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in human Müller cells.
- To determine the impact of substrate and oxygen availability on Müller cell biochemistry and integrity.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human Müller cells were subjected to varying oxygen and substrate conditions (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate, glutamine).
- Measurements included cellular ATP levels, lactic acid production, and glucose/glutamate metabolism.
- Cellular morphology and glial-specific protein expression were assessed via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Müller cells maintained ATP levels aerobically with or without glucose, and anaerobically with glucose.
- Glycolysis was the primary ATP source; mitochondrial oxidation was minimal (1%).
- Cells were resistant to anoxia/glucose absence but sensitive to glycolysis inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Cultured Müller cells rely mainly on glycolysis for ATP, conserving oxygen for neurons.
- Their metabolic adaptability confers resistance to ischemia and hypoglycemia, unlike neurons.
