The role of NPD1 in NMDA-induced apoptosis of rat retinal ganglion cells
Purpose
The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a feature of glaucoma and causes irreversible visual impairment. Therefore, it is crucial to find the potential therapeutic targets for glaucoma induced optic neuropathy. Here, we investigated the role of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) in NMDA-induced apoptosis of rat retinal ganglion cells.
Methods
N-Methyl-D-aspartic Acid (NMDA) injected to both eyes of Long Evans rats. Either a 2 μL amount of 500 μM NMDA or combined with 50 ng NPD1 in 0.01M PBS was injected into the vitreous cavity. After 72 hours from the injection, the retina samples were collected and immunostained with anti-Brn-3a antibody. NMDA excitotoxicity induced RGC, and its axon loss in the retina were observed using confocal microscopy. We also compared electrophysiological responses, visual acuity and histological changes to evaluate the effectiveness of NPD1.
Results
We found that retinal Immunofluorescence staining confirmed significant loss of RGC in Long Evans rats at 3 days after NMDA injection. However, administrations of NPD1 simultaneously with NMDA significantly decrease RGC apoptosis. We also performed fVEP to evaluate visual function, and then found the amplitude of P2 waves be maintained by NPD1. To quantify rat vision, we used a Virtual optomotor system to measure the grating acuity. After intravitreal NMDA, visual acuity dropped to 0.27 ± 0.19 cycles per degree (cpd), but increased to 0.56 ± 0.05 cpd with application of NPD1.
Conclusion
In summary, we discovered that the intravitreal injection of NPD1 provided rescues for RGC in the NMDA-insulted retinas and restored the electrophysiological and behavioral visual function of Long Evans rats after NMDA injury.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
MA
Initials of first name(s)
JF
Department
Southwest Hospital，Army Medical University
City
Chongqing
Country
China
Authors 2
Last name
LU
Initials of first name(s)
ZY
Department
Southwest Hospital，Army Medical University
City
Chongqing
Country
China
Authors 3
Last name
GAO
Initials of first name(s)
Y
Department
Southwest Hospital，Army Medical University
City
Chongqing
Country
China
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