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Visible light induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in rat eye
Andrea M Papp1, Rita Nyilas, Zsuzsanna Szepesi
1Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, gelatinase B) in the nervous system has been demonstrated when excitotoxicity-induced tissue remodeling and neuronal death occurs. Induction of MMP-9 by a natural stimulus has not been observed yet. Using RT-PCR and gelatin-zymography we demonstrated MMP-9 induction at transcriptional and protein levels in different structures of the rat eye following over-stimulation with white light. MMP-9 elevation occurred in the retina without reduction in photoreceptor number or major anatomical reorganization. A transient decrease in electroretinogram b-wave indicated the functional recovery. Retrobulbar injection of a broad-spectrum MMP-inhibitor GM6001, slowed the recovery rate of b-wave amplitude. Even room-light applied to dark-adapted awake animals induced MMP-9 increase in the retina, which suggests a role for MMP-9 in physiological functional plasticity of the nervous system, such as light adaptation. This is the first demonstration of MMP-9 induction by a sensory stimulus.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is induced by light in the rat retina, suggesting a role in visual system plasticity. This is the first study showing MMP-9 induction by a sensory stimulus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is upregulated in the nervous system during excitotoxicity.
- MMP-9's induction by natural stimuli remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MMP-9 induction by a sensory stimulus in the rat eye.
- To explore the role of MMP-9 in visual system plasticity and light adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for transcriptional analysis.
- Gelatin-zymography for protein level assessment.
- Electroretinography (ERG) to evaluate retinal function.
- Pharmacological inhibition of MMPs using GM6001.
Main Results:
- White light overstimulation induced MMP-9 at both transcriptional and protein levels in the rat retina.
- MMP-9 elevation occurred without photoreceptor loss or significant anatomical changes.
- A transient decrease in ERG b-wave amplitude was observed, with GM6001 slowing recovery.
- Even room light induced retinal MMP-9 in dark-adapted animals.
Conclusions:
- Sensory stimuli, such as light, can induce MMP-9 in the retina.
- MMP-9 may play a physiological role in nervous system plasticity, including light adaptation.
- This study provides the first evidence of MMP-9 induction by a sensory stimulus.
