Retinal ganglion cell dendritic atrophy in DBA/2J glaucoma
Pete A Williams1, Gareth R Howell, Jessica M Barbay
1School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|August 27, 2013
Summary
Glaucoma damages retinal ganglion cells. In a mouse model, dendritic degeneration occurred, but only in cells not expressing Thy1-YFP, suggesting Thy1
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glaucoma involves progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and vision loss.
- RGC damage may involve dendritic atrophy preceding or accompanying cell death.
- The optic nerve head is a common site of RGC damage in glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of elevated intraocular pressure on RGC dendrites in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma.
- To compare dendritic degeneration in RGCs with and without Thy1-driven YFP expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DBA/2J mice, a common glaucoma model.
- Employed DiOlistic labeling to visualize RGCs and their dendrites.
- Used DBA/2J.Thy1(YFP) mice for comparison of YFP-expressing RGCs.
Main Results:
- Observed significant RGC dendritic degeneration in DiOlistically labeled DBA/2J mice.
- Found no comparable dendritic degeneration in DBA/2J.Thy1(YFP) mice.
- Suggests potential Thy1 downregulation in 'healthy' RGCs, sparing them from degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Thy1 expression may be downregulated in healthy RGCs, potentially protecting them from degeneration.
- Data suggest alternative pathways for RGC loss in DBA/2J glaucoma.
- Highlights the importance of studying dendritic health in glaucoma pathogenesis.
