Integrin-dependent microgliosis mediates ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis during postnatal rat retinal development

Kan Zhang1, Lei Wu1, Kana Lin2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China; Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.

Experimental Neurology
|February 28, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ketamine exposure triggers microgliosis and neuronal apoptosis in developing rat retinas by upregulating integrin receptors on microglia. Inhibiting these receptors reduces microgliosis and protects against neuronal death.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is crucial for microglia function in developing retinas.
  • Microglia play a significant role in retinal development and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if integrin-dependent microgliosis mediates ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis in the developing rat retina.
  • To elucidate the role of microglia and integrin receptors in ketamine neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence assays to detect integrin receptors on microglia.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure cytokine and chemokine levels.
  • Experiments conducted on whole-mount retinas from P7 Sprague-Dawley rats.

Main Results:

  • Integrin receptors were upregulated on microglia during ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis.
  • Downregulating integrin receptors with RGD peptide ameliorated microgliosis, reducing amoeboid morphology and microglia activation.
  • Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β) and chemokine (CCL2, CXCL10) levels were decreased following integrin receptor downregulation.

Conclusions:

  • Upregulation of integrin β1 receptors in microglia acts as a signaling molecule.
  • This signaling triggers microgliosis, exacerbating ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis.
  • The process involves the release of TNF-α and IL-1β in the developing rat retina.

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