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Assessment of retinal function and morphology in aging Ccl2 knockout mice
Kirstan A Vessey1, Michelle Waugh1, Andrew I Jobling1
1Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|January 29, 2015
Summary
The chemokine Ccl2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) is vital for maintaining retinal pigment epithelium and glial cell structure in aging mice. Despite morphological changes, retinal function remains intact, but vulnerability to disease may increase.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The chemokine Ccl2, also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), has been implicated in various ocular diseases.
- Its specific role in the aging mouse retina, particularly concerning the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and glial cells, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Ccl2 in age-related changes in the mouse retina.
- To correlate morphological alterations in the RPE and retina of aging Ccl2(-/-) mice with functional changes.
Main Methods:
- Ccl2(-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were analyzed for retinal fundus and histology up to 15 months of age.
- Electroretinography (ERG) was used to assess rod and cone pathway function and dark adaptation rate.
Main Results:
- Fifteen-month-old Ccl2(-/-) mice exhibited fundus lesions, increased subretinal microglia/macrophages, and RPE cell enlargement (suggesting RPE cell loss).
- Retinal Müller cell gliosis and microglial activation were observed in Ccl2(-/-) mice.
- These morphological changes did not correlate with significant alterations in rod/cone ERG function or dark adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Ccl2 plays a crucial role in preserving the morphology of the RPE and glial cells during aging in mice.
- While gross retinal morphology and function are maintained in the absence of Ccl2, the RPE and retina may become more susceptible to disease.
