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Müller Cell Regulated Microglial Activation and Migration in Rats With N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Retinal

Shuai Zhang1, Shanshan Zhang1, Wenqing Gong1

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Frontiers in Neuroscience
|December 19, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) involves retinal microglial cells and Müller cells. Müller cells secrete CX3CL1, driving microglial infiltration into damaged retinal layers, suggesting a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The role of activated retinal microglial cells in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathogenesis remains unclear.
  • Understanding these cellular interactions is crucial for developing effective RP therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of retinal microglial cells and their interaction with Müller cells during experimental RP.
  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial activation and migration in RP.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental RP was induced in rats using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU).
  • Retinal histology, electroretinography, and immunofluorescence (Iba1) were used for evaluation.
  • CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 expression levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MNU induced photoreceptor cell loss, outer nuclear layer disruption, and reduced electroretinogram amplitudes.
  • Activated microglia (Iba1-positive) increased in number and infiltrated the outer nuclear layer.
  • Müller cells secreted CX3CL1, enhancing microglial migration and CX3CR1 expression.

Conclusions:

  • Müller cells promote microglial infiltration in RP pathogenesis via CX3CL1 secretion.
  • Microglial activation and migration are key events in MNU-induced experimental RP.
  • Targeting the Müller cell-microglia interaction presents a potential therapeutic strategy for RP.
Keywords:
Müller cellsN-methyl-N-nitrosoureacrosstalkmicrogliaretinitis pigmentosa

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