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The role of CCR1 expression in the retinal degeneration in rd mice
Hui-yang Zeng1, Qing-jun Lu, Qian Liu
1Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. hzeng23@yahoo.com
Purpose:
Chemokine receptors are reported to be involved in neuronal cell death and CNS neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression of CCR1, a major chemokine receptor for CC chemokines in retinal dystrophy in rd (retinal degeneration) mice and further explore its role in photoreceptor degeneration.
Materials And Methods:
The expression levels of CCR1 mRNA in the whole control and rd retinas at postnatal days (P) 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 were determined by RT-PCR assay. Location of CCR1 in the retina of rd mice at each age group was studied by immunohistochemical analysis. Expression of CCR1 in the photoreceptor cells and apoptotic cells was determined by double labeling.
Results:
Expression of CCR1 mRNA was noted in both control and rd retinas at each age group. CCR1-positive cells started to emerge in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in rd retinas at P8 and reached a peak at P12 and P14. Double labeling of CCR1 with rhodopsin, CD11b, or TUNEL staining showed expression of CCR1 in the photoreceptor cells, rather than in the microglial cells. Partial CCR1 expression was observed in some of the apoptotic photoreceptor cells.
Conclusions:
Expression of CCR1 in the photoreceptor cells was increased with the progress of retinal degeneration in rd mice. Activation of CCR1 may play a role in the photoreceptor apoptosis.
Insights
Chemokine receptor CCR1 expression increases in photoreceptor cells during retinal degeneration in rd mice. This suggests CCR1 activation may contribute to photoreceptor cell death in this model.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Chemokine receptors are implicated in neuronal cell death.
- Central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative diseases involve neuronal cell death pathways.
- Retinal degeneration is a significant cause of vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) expression in retinal degeneration (rd) mice.
- Explore the role of CCR1 in photoreceptor degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of CCR1 mRNA using RT-PCR in rd and control retinas.
- Immunohistochemical analysis to determine CCR1 localization in rd retinas.
- Double labeling to identify CCR1 expression in photoreceptor and apoptotic cells.
Main Results:
- CCR1 mRNA expression was detected in both control and rd retinas.
- CCR1-positive cells increased in the outer nuclear layer of rd retinas, peaking at P12-P14.
- CCR1 was expressed in photoreceptor cells, not microglial cells, and in some apoptotic photoreceptor cells.
Conclusions:
- CCR1 expression in photoreceptor cells correlates with the progression of retinal degeneration in rd mice.
- CCR1 activation may play a role in the process of photoreceptor apoptosis.
