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Retinal vasculature changes in Norrie disease mice
M Richter1, J Gottanka, C A May
1Department of Anatomy II, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 6, 1998
Summary
Mice lacking the Norrie disease (ND) gene product show abnormal retinal blood vessel development and persistent hyaloid vessels. The ND gene is crucial for normal inner retinal vascularization and hyaloid vessel regression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Norrie disease (ND) gene product plays a role in neuronal development.
- Degenerative changes in the neuronal retina are observed in ND mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate morphologic changes in the retinal vasculature with neuronal retina degeneration in ND mice.
- Investigate the role of the ND gene product in retinal vascular development.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy (EM) of posterior eye segments from ND and control mice.
- Scanning EM of vascular corrosion casts.
- Qualitative and quantitative comparisons across age groups.
Main Results:
- ND mice older than 9 days exhibited increased blood vessels in the ganglion cell/nerve fiber layer interface and decreased vessels in plexiform layers.
- Abnormal vessels were observed adjacent to the inner limiting membrane, some fenestrated and penetrating it.
- Persistent hyaloid vessels were present in the vitreous of ND mice.
Conclusions:
- ND mice display retinal vascular malformations and persistent hyaloid vessels.
- The ND gene product is essential for normal vascularization of inner retinal layers.
- The ND gene product is necessary for the regression of hyaloid vessels.