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05:51
Characterization of a Novel Human Organotypic Retinal Culture Technique
Published on: June 9, 2021
Microglial activation in human diabetic retinopathy
Hui-yang Zeng1, William Richard Green, Mark O M Tso
1Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N Wolfe St, Woods Bldg, Room 457, Baltimore, MD 21287-9238, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Microglia activation and clustering around blood vessels are prominent in human diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest a role for activated microglia in the disease
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness.
- The role of microglia in DR pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microglial activation in human diabetic retinopathy.
- To characterize the distribution and morphology of microglia in DR.
Main Methods:
- Immunolabeling of microglial markers (HLA-DR, CD45, CD68) on retinal sections.
- Analysis of eyes from patients with varying stages of DR and normal controls.
Main Results:
- Microglia were significantly increased in number and hypertrophic in DR eyes.
- Activated microglia clustered around retinal vasculature, optic nerve, and neovascularization.
- Microglia infiltrated outer retinal layers and subretinal space in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Microglial activation is present throughout all stages of human diabetic retinopathy.
- Microglial perivasculitis is a key feature of DR.
- Activated microglia may contribute to vasculopathy and neuropathy in DR.
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