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Effects of D-serine treatment on outer retinal function
Nathalia Torres Jimenez1, Robert F Miller1, Linda K McLoon1
1Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Department of Neuroscience, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|August 22, 2021
Summary
The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) influences outer retina function, affecting electroretinogram waves. Sex-specific differences in NMDAR function impact retinal processing and may involve hormones.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Physiology
Background:
- The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) complex and its subunits are expressed in the outer retina, but its specific role remains unclear.
- The flash-electroretinogram (fERG) is a non-invasive method to measure outer retinal field potentials and assess NMDAR function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the contribution of NMDAR to early retinal processing in the outer retina.
- To investigate the effects of NMDAR hypofunction and hyperfunction on retinal field potentials using a genetic mouse model and exogenous D-serine application.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a genetic mouse model (SR-/-) with reduced D-serine levels to induce NMDAR hypofunction.
- Administered exogenous D-serine to induce NMDAR hyperfunction in wild-type (WT) mice.
- Analyzed flash-electroretinogram (fERG) parameters, specifically the a-wave and b-wave amplitude and implicit time, in response to NMDAR modulation.
Main Results:
- NMDAR hypofunction in SR-/- mice led to a significantly delayed a-wave and reduced b-wave, with more pronounced effects in males.
- NMDAR hyperfunction induced by D-serine in WT mice resulted in a delayed a-wave implicit time and reduced b-wave amplitude, notably absent in females.
- Both NMDAR hypo- and hyperfunction in male mice showed temporal delays in the a-wave and amplitude, and decreased b-wave amplitude and implicit time.
Conclusions:
- NMDAR and D-serine play a significant role in outer retinal field potentials.
- Retinal processing involving NMDAR is sex-dependent, suggesting an interaction with gonadal hormones.
- D-serine is implicated in maintaining the functional integrity of the retina.
