Effects of rat anti-VEGF antibody in a rat model of corneal graft rejection by topical and subconjunctival routes

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of a rat anti-VEGF antibody, administered either by topical or subconjunctival (SC) routes, on a rat model of corneal transplant rejection.METHODS: Twenty-four rats underwent corneal transplantation and were randomized into four treatment groups (n=6 in each group). G1 and G2 received six SC injections (0.02 ml 10 µg/ml) of denatured (G1) or active (G2) anti-VEGF from Day 0 to Day 21 every third day. G3 and G4 were instilled three times a day with denatured (G3) or active (G4) anti-VEGF drops (10 µg/ml) from Day 0 to Day 21. Corneal mean clinical scores (MCSs) of edema (E), transparency (T), and neovessels (nv) were recorded at Days 3, 9, 15, and 21. Quantification of neovessels was performed after lectin staining of vessels on flat mounted corneas.RESULTS: Twenty-one days after surgery, MCSs differed significantly between G1 and G2, but not between G3 and G4, and the rejection rate was significantly reduced in rats receiving active antibodies regardless of the route of administration (G2=50%, G4=66.65% versus G1 and G3=100%; p<0.05). The mean surfaces of neovessels were significantly reduced in groups treated with active anti-VEGF (G2, G4). However, anti-VEGF therapy did not completely suppress corneal neovessels.CONCLUSIONS: Specific rat anti-VEGF antibodies significantly reduced neovascularization and subsequent corneal graft rejection. The SC administration of the anti-VEGF antibody was more effective than topical instillation

The protective role of transferrin in Müller glial cells after iron-induced toxicity

PURPOSE: Transferrin (Tf) expression is enhanced by aging and inflammation in humans. We investigated the role of transferrin in glial protection. METHODS: We generated transgenic mice (Tg) carrying the complete human transferrin gene on a C57Bl/6J genetic background. We studied human (hTf) and mouse (mTf) transferrin localization in Tg and wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6J mice using immunochemistry with specific antibodies. Müller glial (MG) cells were cultured from explants and characterized using cellular retinaldehyde binding protein (CRALBP) and vimentin antibodies. They were further subcultured for study. We incubated cells with FeCl(3)-nitrilotriacetate to test for the iron-induced stress response; viability was determined by direct counting and measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Tf expression was determined by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR with human- or mouse-specific probes. hTf and mTf in the medium were assayed by ELISA or radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. RESULTS: mTf was mainly localized in retinal pigment epithelium and ganglion cell layers in retina sections of both mouse lines. hTf was abundant in MG cells. The distribution of mTf and hTf mRNA was consistent with these findings. mTf and hTf were secreted into the medium of MG cell primary cultures. Cells from Tg mice secreted hTf at a particularly high level. However, both WT and Tg cell cultures lose their ability to secrete Tf after a few passages. Tg MG cells secreting hTf were more resistant to iron-induced stress toxicity than those no longer secreted hTf. Similarly, exogenous human apo-Tf, but not human holo-Tf, conferred resistance to iron-induced stress on MG cells from WT mice. CONCLUSIONS: hTf localization in MG cells from Tg mice was reminiscent of that reported for aged human retina and age-related macular degeneration, both conditions associated with iron deposition. The role of hTf in protection against toxicity in Tg MG cells probably involves an adaptive mechanism developed in neural retina to control iron-induced stress

Overexpressed or intraperitoneally injected human transferrin prevents photoreceptor degeneration in rd10 mice

PURPOSE: Retinal degeneration has been associated with iron accumulation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and in several rodent models that had one or several iron regulating protein impairments. We investigated the iron concentration and the protective role of human transferrin (hTf) in rd10 mice, a model of retinal degeneration. METHODS: The proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method was used to quantify iron in rd10 mice 2, 3, and 4 weeks after birth. We generated mice with the β-phosphodiesterase mutation and hTf expression by crossbreeding rd10 mice with TghTf mice (rd10/hTf mice). The photoreceptor loss and apoptosis were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling in 3-week-old rd10/hTf mice and compared with 3-week-old rd10 mice. The neuroprotective effect of hTf was analyzed in 5-day-old rd10 mice treated by intraperitoneal administration with hTf for up to 25 days. The retinal hTf concentrations and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer were quantified in all treated mice at 25 days postnatally. RESULTS: PIXE analysis demonstrated an age-dependent iron accumulation in the photoreceptors of rd10 mice. The rd10/hTf mice had the rd10 mutation, expressed high levels of hTf, and showed a significant decrease in photoreceptor death. In addition, rd10 mice intraperitoneally treated with hTf resulted in the retinal presence of hTf and a dose-dependent reduction in photoreceptor degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that iron accumulation in the retinas of rd10 mutant mice is associated with photoreceptor degeneration. For the first time, the enhanced survival of cones and rods in the retina of this model has been demonstrated through overexpression or systemic administration of hTf. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Tf to inhibit iron-induced photoreceptor cell death observed in degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration

Effects of triamcinolone acetonide on vessels of the posterior segment of the eye

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on retinal endothelial cells in vitro and explores the potential vascular toxic effect of TA injected into the vitreous cavity of rats in vivo. METHODS: Subconfluent endothelial cells were treated with either 0.1 mg/ml or 1 mg/ml TA in 1% ethanol. Control cells were either untreated or exposed to 1% ethanol. Cell viability was evaluated at 24 h, 72 h, and five days using the tetrazolium 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 phenyltetrazolium bromide test (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) test. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL assay), annexin-binding, and caspase 3 activation. Caspase-independent cell deaths were investigated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), cytochrome C, microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-light chain 3 (MAP-LC3), and Leukocyte Elastase Inhibitor/Leukocyte Elastase Inhibitor-derived DNase II (LEI/L-DNase II). In vivo, semithin and ultrathin structure analysis and vascular casts were performed to examine TA-induced changes of the choroidal vasculature. In addition, outer segments phagocytosis assay on primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was performed to assess cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNAs upregulation with or without TA. RESULTS: The inhibitory effect of TA on cell proliferation could not explain the significant reduction in cell viability. Indeed, TA induced a time-dependent reduction of bovine retinal endothelial cells viability. Annexin-binding positive cells were observed. Cytochrome C was not released from mitochondria. L-DNase II was found translocated to the nucleus, meaning that LEI was changed into L-DNase II. AIF was found nuclearized in some cells. LC3 labeling showed the absence of autophagic vesicles. No autophagy or caspase dependent apoptosis was identified. At 1 mg/ml TA induced necrosis while exposure to lower concentrations for 3 to 5 days induced caspase independent apoptosis involving AIF and LEI/L-DNase II. In vivo, semithin and ultrathin structure analysis and vascular casts revealed that TA mostly affected the choroidal vasculature with a reduction of choroidal thickness and increased the avascular areas of the choriocapillaries. Experiments performed on primary RPE cells showed that TA downregulates the basal expression of COX-2 and VEGF and inhibits the outer segments (OS)-dependent COX-2 induction but not the OS-dependent VEGF induction. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that glucocorticoids exert direct toxic effect on endothelial cells through caspase-independent cell death mechanisms. The choroidal changes observed after TA intravitreous injection may have important implications regarding the safety profile of TA use in human eyes

Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin, and Transferrin Receptor in the Adult Rat Retina

PURPOSE. The retina and other tissues need iron to survive. However, the normal iron metabolism in rodent retinas had not been characterized. This study was intended to investigate iron and iron homeostasis protein (ferritin, transferrin [Tf] and transferrin receptor [Tf-R]) distribution in 20-to 55-day-old rat retinas. METHODS. Iron was revealed on retinal sections directly by proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and indirectly by electron microscopy (EM). Ferritin, Tf, and Tf-R proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry. Transferrin expression was localized by in situ hybridization (ISH). Transferrin and ferritin proteins and mRNA were analyzed by Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. RESULTS. Iron is widely and unevenly distributed throughout the adult rat retina. The highest concentration was observed by PIXE in the choroid and the retinal pigmented epithelial cell (RPE) layer, and in inner segments of photoreceptors (IS). Outer segments of photoreceptors (OS) also contain iron. EM studies suggested the presence of iron inclusions inside the photoreceptor discs. Choroid, RPE, and IS showed a strong immunoreactivity for ferritin. Transferrin accumulated mainly in the IS and OS areas and in RPE cells but can also be detected slightly in retinal capillaries. Western blot analysis for Tf and ferritin confirmed their presence in the adult neural retina. By RT-PCR, H-and L-chains of ferritin and Tf mRNAs were expressed in neural retina, but the main sites of Tf synthesis observed by ISH were the RPE and choroid cell layers. Tf-R immunoreactivity was detected in the ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, IS, RPE, and choroid. These results were similar for all stages studied. CONCLUSIONS. For the first time, the present study characterized both iron and iron homeostasis proteins in rodent retinas. In the outer retina, iron and ferritin shared the same distribution patterns. In contrast, Tf, mainly synthesized by RPE cells and detected in OS and IS areas, probably helps to transport iron to photoreceptors through their Tf-R. This is a likely pathway for filling iron needs in the outer retina. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000;41:2343-235

CD36 Deficiency Leads to Choroidal Involution via COX2 Down-Regulation in Rodents

Florian Sennelaub and colleagues show that CD36 deficiency leads to choroidal involution, a key feature of "dry" age-related macular degeneration, via COX-2 down-regulation in the retinal pigment epithelium

Single-stranded oligonucleotide-mediated in vivo gene repair in the rd1 retina

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test whether oligonucleotide-targeted gene repair can correct the point mutation in genomic DNA of PDE6b(rd1) (rd1) mouse retinas in vivo. METHODS: Oligonucleotides (ODNs) of 25 nucleotide length and complementary to genomic sequence subsuming the rd1 point mutation in the gene encoding the beta-subunit of rod photoreceptor cGMP-phosphodiesterase (beta-PDE), were synthesized with a wild type nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation position. Control ODNs contained the same nucleotide bases as the wild type ODNs but with varying degrees of sequence mismatch. We previously developed a repeatable and relatively non-invasive technique to enhance ODN delivery to photoreceptor nuclei using transpalpebral iontophoresis prior to intravitreal ODN injection. Three such treatments were performed on C3H/henJ (rd1) mouse pups before postnatal day (PN) 9. Treatment outcomes were evaluated at PN28 or PN33, when retinal degeneration was nearly complete in the untreated rd1 mice. The effect of treatment on photoreceptor survival was evaluated by counting the number of nuclei of photoreceptor cells and by assessing rhodopsin immunohistochemistry on flat-mount retinas and sections. Gene repair in the retina was quantified by allele-specific real time PCR and by detection of beta-PDE-immunoreactive photoreceptors. Confirmatory experiments were conducted using independent rd1 colonies in separate laboratories. These experiments had an additional negative control ODN that contained the rd1 mutant nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation site such that the sole difference between treatment with wild type and control ODN was the single base at the rd1 point mutation site. RESULTS: Iontophoresis enhanced the penetration of intravitreally injected ODNs in all retinal layers. Using this delivery technique, significant survival of photoreceptors was observed in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODNs but not control ODNs as demonstrated by cell counting and rhodopsin immunoreactivity at PN28. Beta-PDE immunoreactivity was present in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN but not from those treated with control ODNs. Gene correction demonstrated by allele-specific real time PCR and by counts of beta-PDE-immunoreactive cells was estimated at 0.2%. Independent confirmatory experiments showed that retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN contained many more rhodopsin immunoreactive cells compared to retinas treated with control (rd1 sequence) ODN, even when harvested at PN33. CONCLUSIONS: Short ODNs can be delivered with repeatable efficiency to mouse photoreceptor cells in vivo using a combination of intravitreal injection and iontophoresis. Delivery of therapeutic ODNs to rd1 mouse eyes resulted in genomic DNA conversion from mutant to wild type sequence, low but observable beta-PDE immunoreactivity, and preservation of rhodopsin immunopositive cells in the outer nuclear layer, suggesting that ODN-directed gene repair occurred and preserved rod photoreceptor cells. Effects were not seen in eyes treated with buffer or with ODNs having the rd1 mutant sequence, a definitive control for this therapeutic approach. Importantly, critical experiments were confirmed in two laboratories by several different researchers using independent mouse colonies and ODN preparations from separate sources. These findings suggest that targeted gene repair can be achieved in the retina following enhanced ODN delivery

Placental Growth Factor Contributes to Micro-Vascular Abnormalization and Blood-Retinal Barrier Breakdown in Diabetic Retinopathy

OBJECTIVE: There are controversies regarding the pro-angiogenic activity of placental growth factor (PGF) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). For a better understanding of its role on the retina, we have evaluated the effect of a sustained PGF over-expression in rat ocular media, using ciliary muscle electrotransfer (ET) of a plasmid encoding rat PGF-1 (pVAX2-rPGF-1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: pVAX2-rPGF-1 ET in the ciliary muscle (200 V/cm) was achieved in non diabetic and diabetic rat eyes. Control eyes received saline or naked plasmid ET. Clinical follow up was carried out over three months using slit lamp examination and fluorescein angiography. After the control of rPGF-1 expression, PGF-induced effects on retinal vasculature and on the blood-external barrier were evaluated respectively by lectin and occludin staining on flat-mounts. Ocular structures were visualized through histological analysis. RESULTS: After fifteen days of rPGF-1 over-expression in normal eyes, tortuous and dilated capillaries were observed. At one month, microaneurysms and moderate vascular sprouts were detected in mid retinal periphery in vivo and on retinal flat-mounts. At later stages, retinal pigmented epithelial cells demonstrated morphological abnormalities and junction ruptures. In diabetic retinas, PGF expression rose between 2 and 5 months, and, one month after ET, rPGF-1 over-expression induced glial activation and proliferation. CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration that sustained intraocular PGF production induces vascular and retinal changes similar to those observed in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. PGF and its receptor Flt-1 may therefore be looked upon as a potential regulatory target at this stage of the disease

Réactions cellulaires et moléculaires dans un modèle de néovascularisation choroïdienne expérimentalement induite par photocoagulation rétinienne au laser argon chez la souris

La néovascularisation choroïdienne (NVC) est une complication de la maculopathie liée à l'âge responsable de baisse de l'acuité visuelle profonde. Nous avons étudié un modèle murin de NVC induite par photocoagulation (PC) laser argon chez la souris C57BI/6J. La réalisation d'un impact rétinien de 50 m, 400mW, 0,05s entraîne dès J3 une réaction néovasculaire choroïdienne. Les macrophages infiltrent tôt cette réaction multicellulaire. Elle est significativement réduite après injection intravitréenne de triamcinolone. L'âge est un facteur indépendant de NVC, elle est significativement plus élevée chez les souris âgées et persiste plus longtemps. Le profil d'expression des ARNm pour GFAP, VEGF et MCP1 sont également âge-dépendants et expliquent pour part la réponse néovasculaire plus intense avec l'âge. Quelquesoit l'âge, les mêmes types cellulaires sont mis en jeu dans le processus de réparation tissulaire, mais les réactions cellulaires et moléculaires diffèrent par leur intensité.Choroidal neovascularization (CN) is a complication of aged related maculopathy that leads to deep vision loss. Using C57BI/6J mice, we investigated the CN experimental model induced by argon laser photocoagulation (PC). We observed CN from 3 days after PC (laser impact of 50 m, 400mW, 0,05s). Macrophages infiltrated early this multicellular reaction. CN area was significantly reduced by triamcinolone intravitreal injection. Age appeared as an independent factor for CN, that was larger in aged mice and more persistent. mRNA expression for GFAP, VEGF and MCP1 were age dependant too and can explain in part this higher response to laser trauma with aging. Whatever the age, the same cells were involved in the wound healing processes, but cellular and molecular reactions differed in intensity.PARIS5-BU Méd.Cochin (751142101) / SudocSudocFranceF

Rôle du récepteur CX3CR1 dans la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge (DMLA)

La DMLA est parmi les pathologies du vieillissement oculaire qui posent un réel problème de santé publique.Elle affecte plus de 50% de la population de plus de 80 ans. On distingue un stade asymptomatique marqué par laprésence de tâches blanchâtres, les Drusen et un stade symptomatique compliqué par une baisse de la vision liée soit àun phénomène de néovascularisation choroïdienne maculaire dite DMLA exsudative soit à une dégénérescence desphotorécepteurs s accompagnant d une atrophie du tissu choroïdien et rétinien dite DMLA atrophique. Les moyensthérapeutiques sont limités aux complications en rapport avec la néovascularisation. La physiopathogénie de cetteaffection est encore mal connue. Parmi les facteurs de risque, on connaît l âge, le tabac, les facteurs nutritionnels et desfacteurs génétiques. Les chimiokines, cytokines chimio-attractantes recrutant des sous-populations leucocytaires de lacirculation générale vers les sites inflammatoires sont impliquées dans la physiopathogénie de la DMLA. La mutationde CX3CR1, récepteur de la chimiokine fractalkine est associée à une augmentation du risque de DMLA. Notre travail aété d étudier le rôle du récepteur de la fractalkine, CX3CR1 dans la DMLA. Nous avons observé une augmentation del incidence de la DMLA en cas d homozygotie pour l allèle M280 du récepteur CX3CR1 chez l homme. Au niveautissulaire, notre étude a mis en évidence l expression du récepteur CX3CR1 par les cellules microgliales rétinienneschez l homme comme chez la souris. Nous avons constaté chez l homme que les cellules microgliales migraient versl espace sous rétinien et s accumulaient au site de la dégénérescence rétinienne et de la néovascularisation choroïdienneDans le modèle de souris CX3CR1-/-, les cellules microgliales s accumulent dans l espace sous rétinien sous différentesconditions comme la sénescence, la photocoagulation rétinienne au laser Argon et l illumination rétinienne (sourisCX3CR1-/- albinos). L accumulation sous rétinienne des cellules microgliales avec l âge prend l aspect des Drusen aufond d oeil chez les souris et cette accumulation CX3CR1-dépendante exacerbe la néovascularisation choroïdienneinduite expérimentalement. Il s agit de signes cardinaux observés au cours de la DMLA à travers de nouveauxmécanismes physiopathogéniques. De nouvelles pistes thérapeutiques vont être susceptibles d émerger à partir de cesnouvelles cibles potentiellesAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in elderly people in theindustrialized countries. Early AMD is characterized by yellowish white dots called drusen, clinically visible withfunduscopy. There are two clinical forms of late AMD: the fast progressive wet form defined by choroidalneovascularisation, responsible for the most part of legal blindness in AMD, and the more slowly progressive atrophic form characterized by RPE atrophy, photoreceptor degeneration and choroidal involution. Wet AMD is the onlytreated form Epidemiological studies have helped to identify key factors in its pathogenesis. Age, family history andgenetic are the principal predisposing factors. Over the past few years, numerous studies have focused on the role ofchemotactic cytokines, also known as chemokines and their receptors. Retinal microglial cells (MC) express CX3CR1.The role of retinal microglial cells (MC) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is unclear. This study shows thatall retinal MC express the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 and that homozygosity for the CX3CR1 M280 allele, which isassociated with impaired cell migration, increases the risk of AMD. We found that in humans with AMD, MCaccumulated in the subretinal space at sites of retinal degeneration and of choroidal neovascularization. In CX3CR1-deficient mice, MC accumulated subretinally with age and albino background and after laser impact preceding retinaldegeneration. The appearance of lipid-bloated subretinal MC is drusen-like on funduscopy of senescent mice, andCX3CR1-dependent MC accumulation is associated with an exacerbation of experimental choroidal neovascularization.These results show that CX3CR1-dependent accumulation of subretinal MC evokes cardinal features of AMD. Thesefindings as new pathogenic process might be useful for new therapies developmentPARIS5-Bibliotheque electronique (751069902) / SudocSudocFranceF