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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma
Published on: May 11, 2015
Microarray analysis of retinal gene expression in the DBA/2J model of glaucoma
Michael R Steele1, Denise M Inman, David J Calkins
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 1, 2006
Summary
DBA/2J mice show altered retinal gene expression with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), indicating glial activation and immune responses. These changes correlate with glaucoma development in this model.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genomics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The DBA/2J mouse strain serves as a model for secondary angle-closure glaucoma.
- Iris atrophy and pigment dispersion in DBA/2J mice lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate changes in retinal gene expression with increased IOP in DBA/2J mice.
- To analyze gene expression profiles before and after IOP elevation using microarray analysis.
Main Methods:
- Monthly monitoring of IOP in DBA/2J mice.
- Microarray analysis of retinal RNA from mice at 3 months (pre-disease) and 8 months (post-IOP elevation).
- Confirmation of a subset of genes using quantitative RT-PCR in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice.
Main Results:
- Expression changes in 68 genes were observed between 3 and 8 months.
- Upregulated genes were linked to immune response and glial activation; downregulated genes included crystallins.
- Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed significant changes in 11 genes, with some alterations noted by 5 months.
Conclusions:
- DBA/2J retinas exhibit glial activation and immune responses following IOP elevation.
- These findings are consistent with responses seen in other models of acute IOP elevation.
