Glutamate Receptor Activation and OPA1 Release in Ischemic Rat Retina
Author Information
Author(s): Ju Won-Kyu, Lindsey James D., Angert Mila, Weinreb Ankur, Hamilton Robert N.
Primary Institution: Hamilton Glaucoma Center, University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
Can the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK801 block OPA1 release and subsequent apoptotic cell death in the rat retina after ischemia?
Conclusion
Blockade of glutamate receptor activation prevents OPA1 release and apoptotic cell death in the ischemic rat retina.
Supporting Evidence
- Ischemic insult induced OPA1 release from the mitochondria in retinas.
- MK801 pretreatment blocked OPA1 release and prevented apoptotic cell death.
- OPA1 mRNA expression increased significantly with MK801 treatment after ischemia.
- Bcl-2 mRNA expression was significantly increased with MK801 pretreatment.
Takeaway
When the pressure in the eye goes up, it can cause damage to the retina. This study found that a certain drug can help protect the retina by stopping a harmful protein from being released.
Methodology
Sprague Dawley rats received MK801 or vehicle, followed by induced retinal ischemia through acute IOP elevation, with assessments made via western blot, qPCR, and TUNEL staining.
Participant Demographics
Sprague Dawley female rats, 3 months of age, weighing 200–250 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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