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Evaluating the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol in rodent models of oxidative retinopathies

Samaneh Chaychi1, Anna Polosa1, Sylvain Chemtob2

  • 1Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology-Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Glen Site, Block E, Room EM03238, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.

Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|October 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Estrogen shows neuroprotective effects in the outer retina during oxidative stress but can worsen damage in the inner retina. This highlights estrogen's context-dependent role in retinal protection.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is a key factor in retinal damage.
  • Estrogen's role in neuroprotection is complex and may vary by tissue and condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neuroprotective effects of 17 beta-estradiol (βE2) on retinal structure and function under oxidative stress.
  • To differentiate estrogen's impact based on the location of oxidative damage within the retina.

Main Methods:

  • Male Sprague-Dawley rat pups were subjected to hyperoxia (O2E) or bright light (LE) induced oxidative stress.
  • 17 beta-estradiol (βE2) treatment was administered with or without oxidative stress exposure.
  • Retinal structure (histology) and function (electroretinography - ERG) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • In the O2E model, βE2 treatment worsened retinal function (reduced ERG) and structure (thinner outer plexiform layer - OPL).
  • In the LE model, βE2 treatment improved retinal structure (thicker outer nuclear layer - ONL) and preserved function (maintained ERG amplitudes).

Conclusions:

  • Estrogen can protect the retina when oxidative stress primarily affects the outer retina (photoreceptors).
  • Estrogen may exacerbate oxidative damage when the inner retina or retinal vasculature is the main target.
  • The neuroprotective effect of estrogen on the retina is dependent on the specific site of oxidative damage.
Abstract

Keywords:
ElectroretinogramEstrogenLight-induced retinopathyOxygen-induced retinopathyRetinaRodent

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