Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Determination of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis in Ex Vivo Retinal Tissue Samples
08:45

Determination of Mitochondrial Respiration and Glycolysis in Ex Vivo Retinal Tissue Samples

Published on: August 4, 2021

Mitochondrial abnormalities in ageing macular photoreceptors

M J Barron1, M A Johnson, R M Andrews

  • 1School of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 1, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mitochondrial DNA deletions accumulate in the aging retina, especially in the macula. This accumulation of mtDNA(4977) and cone defects may contribute to age-related maculopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The macula's function declines with age, potentially linked to cellular damage.
  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are implicated in aging processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the accumulation of somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations in the macula during aging.
  • To correlate mtDNA mutations with age-related changes in retinal cells.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 10-microm macular and peripheral retina sections from 14 donors (aged 14-94).
  • Quantification of the 4977-bp mtDNA deletion (mtDNA(4977)) using PCR.
  • Detection of cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cones via dual cytochemistry.

Main Results:

  • A progressive accumulation of mtDNA(4977) was observed with age, increasing significantly after 60 years.
  • The prevalence of mtDNA(4977) rose from 0.006% at age 14 to 5.39% by age 94.
  • More cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cones were found in the foveal region compared to other retinal areas.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial DNA deletions and deficient cones increase in the aging retina, particularly in the macula.
  • These age-related cellular defects may underlie functional decline and age-related maculopathy.

More Related Videos

Real-Time Analysis of Bioenergetics in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Using High-Resolution Respirometry09:16

Real-Time Analysis of Bioenergetics in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Using High-Resolution Respirometry

Published on: February 3, 2023

A Workflow to Quantitatively Determine Age-Related Macular Degeneration Lesion-Specific Variations in Fundus Autofluorescence08:54

A Workflow to Quantitatively Determine Age-Related Macular Degeneration Lesion-Specific Variations in Fundus Autofluorescence

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...