ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Rhodiola on the rat retinal tissue morphology and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α at simulated hypoxia at different altitudes. Methods Forty-eight adult female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the Rhodiola Intervention group (intervention group) and the control group, each group had 24 rats. The intervention group rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection of 10 ml/kg of large plants Rhodiola solution, and the control group rats were injected with same volume of saline. One hour after the injection, six rats were randomly selected from both of the two groups and reared in the plateau environment simulation laboratory modules with the oxygen partial pressure of 17.4, 14.6, 11.3 and 7.4 kPa, which simulated the altitudes of 1500, 3000, 5000 and 8000 meters indoor respectively. Six hours later the rat eyeballs were harvested for paraffin sections and analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical staining to observe the expression of HIF-1α and p53. ResultsIn the control group, the rat retinal layers were edema and loose, the retinal thickness increased, the retinal structure was disorganized, the ganglion cells were swollen and degenerated, and some can observe the karyopyknosis, karyolysis and the reduced cells number. As the altitude increased, the pathological changes of retinal became more obvious. In the intervention group, the characteristics of rat retinal morphology were same with the control group, while the degree of morphology changes was lighter than the control group. HIF-1α and p53 expressed mainly in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer of rat retina in the control group. As altitude increased, the expression of HIF-1α and p53 were increased too, which was positive correlated (r=0.9846, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the rat retinal expression of HIF-1α increased, while expression of p53 decreased in the intervention group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). ConclusionRhodiola can reduce the retinal tissue pathology damage caused by high altitude hypoxia, and its mechanism may be related to the increasing expression of HIF-1α and reducing expression of p53.
ObjectiveTo study the inhibitory effects of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) on oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice, and to investigate the possible involvement of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the neovascular-inhibitory function of PEDF. Methods A total of 140 postnatal day (P)7 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model group, PEDF treatment group and PBS treatment control group. All mice except normal control group with their mothers were exposed to (75±2)% oxygen environment for 5 days and then kept in room air for another 5 days to establish the OIR model. Mice in normal control group were kept in room air only. At P12 and P14, respectively, mice in PEDF treatment group received intravitreous injections of 1 μl PEDF (2 μg/μl), while PBS treatment control group received the same volume of PBS (10 mmol/L, pH7.4).All mice were euthanized at P17 and eyes were isolated. The changes of retinal vessels were observed on retinal flat mounts and cryosections by fluorescence microscopy. Retinal specimens were prepared for IL-1β protein and mRNA analysis by Western blot and real time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR). ResultsChanges of retinal vessels had been viewed by fluorescence microscopy on flat-mounted retina, the relative retinal neovascularization areas were significantly increased in OIR model group compared with normal control group (t=15.02, P < 0.01), and the relative retinal neovascularization areas were obviously smaller in PEDF treatment group than those in PBS treatment control group (t=5.96, P < 0.01). Fluorescence staining revealed that retinal vascular tufts were extending from outer plexiform layer (OPL) to ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the retina along with multiple interconnections; Neovascular tufts in OIR model group and PBS treatment control group were presenting distinctly more than those of normal control group and PEDF treatment group. The specific expression levels of IL-1β protein in retinas of OIR mice by Western-blot analysis were higher than those of normal control group(t=3.35, P < 0.05), While these of PEDF treatment group showed a considerable decline in comparison with PBS treatment control group (P < 0.01), and there were no difference in normal control group and PEDF-treated group (F=11.764, P > 0.05). Similarly, expression levels of IL-1β mRNA tested by Real-time RT-PCR were obviously increased in the OIR model group when compared to normal control group(t=4.43, P < 0.01). After treated with PEDF, expression levels of IL-1β mRNA showed a considerable decrease when compared to PBS treatment control group (P < 0.01), and there were no difference in normal control group and PEDF-treated group (F=11.15, P > 0.05). ConclusionsPEDF can inhibit oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization. The mechanism may be related to that PEDF can downregulate the expression of IL-1β in retina.
Objective To observe the interferon-gamma; (IFN-gamma;), interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels of Th1 cytokine and IL-4、IL-10 levels of Th2 cytokine in serum and culture supernatants of splenic cells of the rats in the prevention of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis（EAU）by oral tolerance. Methods 72 Lewis rats were randomly divided into EAU group，oral tolerance group (which including 10 mu;g、100 mu;g、1 mg、10 mg of S antigen group respectively) and control group，12 rats in each group. The animal model of EAU was induced by immunization with S antigen（50 mu;g）and Freundrsquo;s complete adjuvant. Oral tolerance 10 mu;g、100 mu;g、1 mg and 10 mg group were fed with 1 ml mixture of 10 mu;g、100 mu;g、1 mg、10 mg S antigen and 1 mg trypsin inhibitor respectively by intubation，once the other day，totally 7 times，and then induced EAU according to above methods；control group was fed with 1 ml mixture of phosphate buffered saline and 1 mg trypsin inhibitor，once the other day，totally 7 times，and then induced EAU. The clinical manifestation of EAU in the eye were recorded,the eyeballs were enucleated at the peak of EAU，followed by pathological grading. Meanwhile the serum was colleced; splentic cells were separated and cultured to collect the supernatant. Cytokine levels of IFN-gamma;, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in serum, cultured supernatant of splenic cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with EAU and control group, the levels of IFN-gamma; and IL-2 (Th1 cytokine) in the serum in 100 mu;g and 1 mg group were decreased while the levels of IL4 and IL10 (Th2 cytokine) were increased，the differences were statistically significant（F=51.9, 68.8, 35.7,7.5,P＜0.01). Compared the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the serum in 10 mu;g, 10 mg group with EAU and control group, the differences were not statistically significant. In 100 mu;g、1 mg group, the levels of IFN-gamma; and IL-2 (Th1 cytokine) in the culture supernatant of splenic cells were decreased while the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokine) were increased, compared with EAU and control group, the differences were statistically significant（F=57.1,15.6,33.1,167.7, P＜0.01）. Compared the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokine in the culture supernatant of splenic cells in 10 mu;g、10 mg groups with EAU and control group, the difference are not statistically significant. Conclusions In the process to prevent EAU by oral intake, the levels of IFN-gamma; and IL-2 (Th1 cytokine ) were decrease while the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokine). Oral administration with too high or low dose of the antigen can not prevent EAU as well as the cytokine levels do not change obviously. Cytokines has played an important role in the prevention of EAU.
Objective To investigate the effect of proanthocyanidins (PC) on retina of rats with acute ocular hypertension. Methods The SpraqueDawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group and PC high or lowdosage group. The PC high or low dose group received 300mg/kg.d or 100mg/kg.d of PC in suspension solution for 5 days respectively. The normal group and the model group fed with distilled water for 5 days. Then acute ocular hypertension was induced in the model group and all PC groups, and after 48h of ocular hypertension the eyeballs were analyzed by electron microscope and UV spectrophotometer to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), nitrogen monoxidum (NO), glutamic acid (Glu) and calcium ion(Ca2+). Results PC could raise the activity of SOD and reduced the levels of MDA,NO,Glu and Ca2+ in retina tissue. Electron microscope examination revealed that PC reduced retinal edema and ganglion cell apoptosis. PC also enhanced the SOD activity and suppressed the levels of MDA, NO, Glu and Ca2+. Conclusions PC can protect retina from acute ocular hypertension. The main mechanism might relate to anti-free radical oxidation, antagonizing calcium overloading, reducing toxicity of NO and Glu on the retina.
Objective:To observe the effect of beta;estradiol on gluta mate concentration in rabbitsprime; retinae injured by ischemic reperfusion. Methods:Twenty r abbits ware randomly divided into two groups, the control group and the treatmen t group, with 10 rabbits in each group. Before examined by binocular flash elect roretinography (FERG), retinal ischemic reperfusion (RIR) model was induced in t h e right eyes of all the rabbits by increasing intraocular pressure to 120 mm Hg for 60 minutes; the left eyes were as the control eyes. The rabbits were hypoder mically injected with beta;estradiol (0.1 mg/kg) in treatment group and with phys i ological saline in the control group 2 hours before ischemia. The results of FER G of the right eyes in both of the 2 groups 0, 4, 8, and 24 hours after reperfus ion were record respectively and were compared with the results of FERG before r eperfusion. The retina tissue was collected after the last time of FERG. The con c entration of glutamate was detected by Hitachi L8800 amino acid analyzer. Results:In the right eyes in both of the 2 groups, the result of F ERG showed a beeli ne just after reperfusion. There was no significant difference of awave amplit u de between the 2 groups (t=1.357, 0.798, 0.835; Pgt;0.05); the b wave amplitudes i n experimental group were much higher than those in the control group (t=4.447, 2.188, 3.106; Plt;0.01). The concentration of glutamate in retina was (0.265plusmn;0.014) g/L in the right eyes and (0.207plusmn;0.013) g/L in the left eyes in the control group, and (0.231plusmn;0.007) g/L in the right eyes and (0.203plusmn;0 .014) g/L in the le ft eyes in the treatment group; the difference between the 2 groups was signific ant (F=50.807, P=0.000). There was statistical difference between righ t and left eyes both in the 2 groups and the significant difference of the right eyes betw een the two groups was also found (P=0.000); there was no statistical diffe rence of the left eyes between the 2 groups (P＝0.505). Conclusion:beta;-estradiol may prevent the increase of the concentration of glutamate in retina induced by RIR to protect retinal tissue.
Objective To observe the effect of amniotic homogenate on closing holes in experimental rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and investigate its mechanism. Methods Forty rabbits were randomly divided into group A, B, C and D with 10 rabbits in each group. Group A and C were the treatment groups, and group B and D were the control groups. All eyes of rabbits underwent pars plana vitrectomy, retinectomy, and fluidair exchange. The surface of the breaks was treated with 01 ml amniotic homogenate in experimental groups and 0.1 ml PBS in control groups. At the end of operation, 20% SF6 was tamponaded and the retina reattaced. The animals were executed 14 (group A and B) and 28 days (group C and D) after the surgery. The tissue sections were observed by light microscope, electron microscope and immunocytochemistry method. Results Fourteen days after the surgery, the retina reattached in 6 eyes in group A (60%) and 2 eyes in group B (20%) （P=0.021）. Twenty-eight days after the surgery, the retina reattached in 8 eyes in group C (80%) and 3 eyes in group D (30%) (P=0.046). The difference of the rate of retinal reattachment among the 4 groups were statistical significant (Plt;0.05). Light postoperative inflammation of ocular anterior segment was observed, which was controlled 3-5 days after treated with topical steroids. The result of light microscopy showed that the eyes in treatment groups had multilayer of fibroblastlike cells around the retinal breaks, adhering to the choroid and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The proliferative cells around the retinal breaks obvious less in control groups than that in the treatment groups, and the retina could not adhere to the choroid. The results of electron microscopy were the same as that of light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry staining of the fibroblastlike cells revealed positve glial fibrillary acidic protein, which suggested that the proliferative cells around the retinal breaks were retinal glial cells. Conclusions Amniotic homogenate helps to seal retinal breaks and promote retinal reattachment by stimulating the proliferation of retinal glial cells around the breaks.
Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) on choroidal neovascularization. Methods Forty Brown Norway rats were randomly divided into the KBP groups and the control group, 20 rats in each group, the right eye as the experimental eye. The rats were photocoagulated by 532 nm laser to induce CNV model. One week after laser photocoagulation, the rats were received FFA examination. At the second day after FFA examination, the rats of KBP group were received an intravitreal injection of KBP 5 mu;l (4 mg/ml KBP). The same volume of deionized water was injected into the rats in the control group. The rats of two groups received FFA examination at one, two and three weeks after injection. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and pigment epithelium derived factor were observed using hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry stain. CNV leakage area and the cumulative absorbance of laser spot area were analyzed by Image-Pro plus 6.0 software. Results FFA examination showed that there were CNV and fluorescence leakage at one week after laser photocoagulation; one, two and three weeks after injection, the leakage decreased gradually in KBP group, but increased with time in control group. Compared with control group, the spot area and CNV in KBP group reduced gradually, but CNV was always there in control group. The differences of VEGF (F=1.29) and PEDF (F=6.29) expressions at one week after laser photocoagulation were not statistically significant (P＞0.05). The differences of VEGF and PEDF expressions at one, two and three weeks after injection were statistically significant（VEGF:F=14.16,66.89,24.34; PEDF：F=4.22,62.04,233.05;P＜0.001）.Conclusion Intravitreal injection with KBP can inhibit CNV.
Objective To observe the protection effects of ultrasonic microbubbles combined with memantine on rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve injury. Methods Forty Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group A), sham operation group (group B), blank control group (group C), memantine group (group D) and memantine and ultrasonic microbubbles group (group E), 8 rats in each group. Then A - E groups were randomly divided into 1 week subgroup and 2 weeks subgroup after the optic nerve injury, 4 rats in each subgroup. Group A had no interference treatment. The optic nerves in group B eyes were exposed but not clamped. Normal saline was injected into the vitreous, and those eyes were immediately radiated with ultrasound. The optic nerves in Group C - E were exposed and clamped to establish the optic nerve clamped models. Normal saline was injected into the vitreous of group C eyes; memantine was injected into the vitreous of group D eyes; ultrasonic microbubble and memantine was orderly injected into the vitreous of group E eyes and those eyes were immediately radiated with ultrasound. One week and 2 weeks after the optic nerve injury, RGC was labeled by retrograde fluorogold to count the RGC number; flash visual evoked potential (F-VEP) was used to record the incubation period and amplitude of P100 wave; fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the pathological morphology change of retinal cell. Results There were goldlabeled RGCs on the retina of group A-E. The difference of RGC count was not statistically significant between group A and B (q=0.018, 0.011; P=0.986, 0.873). Compared to group A, the RGC count in group C-E were decreased significantly (F=85.944, P=0.012). The RGC count in group D was significantly higher than that in group C (q=1.721, 1.924; P=0.043, 0.037). The RGC count in group E was significantly higher than that in group C and D (q=1.128, 1.482, P=0.027, 0.008; q=1.453, 1.855, P=0.031, 0.010).F-VEP showed that there was no statistically significant difference of incubation period and amplitude of P100 wave between group A and B (q=0.008, 0.019,P= 0.981, 0.946; q=0.072, 0.052, P=0.737, 0.851). Compared to group A, the incubation period were lengthened and the amplitude were decreased in group C- E with statistically significant (F=134.312, 106.312; P=0.017, 0.009). Observed under the electron microscope, the retinal structure of group A, B eyes was normal, but there were varying degrees of edema and thickening, RGC loss in group C-E eyes. Conclusions Memantine and ultrasonic microbubble can inhibit the rat RGC loss after optic nerve injury, and improve the visual function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activation on cellular oxidative stress induced by high glucose in bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells(BRECs). Methods The BRECs were treated by different culture medium with various glucose concentrations (5 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L KU55933) as normal glucose group, high glucose group and treatment group respectively.After the cells incubated for 48 hours, the protein expression of ATM, P-ATM, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase P38(P38), P-P38, Extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs), P-ERKs was detected by Western blot; cellular ROS level was detected by Reactive Oxygen Species Assay Kit; propidium iodide/Hoechst staining was used for analysis of apoptosis; the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant was determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); the paracellular permeability between endothelium cells was detected by FITC-dextran. ResultsCompared with the protein level of P-ATM, P-P38 and P-ERKs in high glucose group increased. Especially, P-P38, P-ERKs expressed much more than in high glucose group. The secretion of VEGF in high glucose group was higher than that in the normal glucose group but less than that in treatment group. The same tendency existed in ROS assay, apoptosis assay and paracellular permeability measuring. ConclusionsHigh glucose induced altered activation of ATM which might play a protective role in cellular oxidative stress. Deficiency of ATM might lead to ROS explosion, cell apoptosis and dysfunction of endothelial barrier. The mechanism might be associated with P38, ERKs and VEGF.
Objective To investigate the protective effect of Niacin on blood-retina barrier (BRB) in diabetic rats and related mechanism. Methods The male Wistar rats (60) were divided into control (CON) group, diabetes (DM) group and Niacin-treated (NA) group, 20 rats in each group. Rats diabetes models were induced with streptozotocin injection. Niacin (40 mg/kg·d) was administrated orally everyday in Niacin-treated group until sacrificed after 3 months. Pathological outcomes, total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated at month 3. Optical microscopy was used to observe the retinal structure. The integrity of BRB and the vascular permeability was quantified by analyzing albumin leakage using Evans blue (EB) method. The relative expressions of Claudin-5, Occludin, zonula occluden (ZO)-1 and GPR109A mRNA in rat retinas were detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and relative expression of GPR109A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 by Western blot. Results Compared to CON group, the TC content was increased and HDL content was decreased in DM group (t=4.034, 5.831; P < 0.05). Compared to DM group, the TC content was decreased and HDL content was increased in NA group (t=6.868, 3.369; P < 0.05). The retinal structure of CON group was normal. Pathological changes were found in the DM group, such as tumescent nuclei and disorganized structures. The retinal structure of NA group was similar to the control group. Evans blue dye that the microvascular leakage in DM group was increased compared with CON group (t=24.712, P < 0.05), while in NA group was decreased compared with DM group (t=16.414, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Occludin, Claudin-5, ZO-1 in DM group were decreased compared with CON group (t=11.422, 12.638, 12.060; P < 0.05), while in NA group were increased compared with DM group (t=5.278, 3.952, 8.030; P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of GPR109A in NA group were increased compared with DM group (t=5.053, P < 0.05). The protein expression of GPR109A, IL-6, TNF-αin DM group were increased compared with CON group (t=4.915, 11.106, 6.582; P < 0.05). Compared to DM group, the protein expression of GPR109A was increased (t=5.806, P < 0.05), while the protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased (t=10.131, 5.017; P < 0.05). Conclusion Niacin has the protective effect for BRB by up-regulating GPR109A expression which may suppress inflammation.