Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (Y-27) affects actomyosin cytoskeletal networks and has been shown to significantly increase outflow facility (C) in enucleated porcine and rabbit eyes, as well as in vivo monkey eyes without obvious toxicity. The mechanisms underlying these responses remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigate how Y-27 affects aqueous humor C, the hydrodynamic patterns of outflow, and the morphology of the inner wall (IW) and juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT). 12 bovine eyes were perfused at 15 mmHg with Dulbecco's PBS containing 5.5 mM glucose (DPBS) to establish stable baseline C. The anterior chamber was exchanged and perfused with DPBS containing 50 µM Y-27 in 7 eyes, while 5 eyes received DPBS alone. Eyes were then perfused with DPBS containing fluorescent microspheres (0.5 µm; 0.002% v/v) at a fixed volume to deliver equivalent amounts of tracer to label the hydrodynamic filtration patterns. All eyes were perfusionfixed with Karnovsky's fixative. Radial and frontal sections were prepared in all quadrants and confocal images were taken along the IW of the aqueous plexus (AP). The total length (TL) and filtration length (FL) of the IW were measured in ≥16 images/eye, and the average percent effective filtration length (PEFL=FL/TL) was calculated. Sections with AP were processed and examined by light and electron microscopy. The TL of the IW and length exhibiting JCT/IW separation (SL) were measured in ≥16 micrographs/eye, and the average percent separation length (PSL= SL/TL) was also calculated. After Y-27 treatment, C increased from 1.54±0.34 (±SEM) to 2.36±0.54 µL/min/mmHg (58.2±18.9%) while control eyes changed from 1.67±0.41 to 1.71±0.39 µl/min/mmHg (6.0±9.3%) and the percent changes between the Y-27-treated and control eyes were significant (p = 0.03). Control eyes showed segmental distribution of tracer in the trabecular meshwork tending to cluster near collector channel ostia, whereas Y-27-treated eyes showed a more uniform pattern and extensive labeling along the IW. In Y-27-treated eyes, PEFL was 3-fold larger (57.6±3.7%) compared to control eyes (18.2±4.5%; p<0.001). Light microscopic examination revealed that, with Y-27, the IW and JCT were significantly distended compared to control eyes, with discernible separation between the IW and JCT. PSL was 2.8-fold larger in Y-27-treated eyes (59.3±3.6%) than in controls (20.8±2.0%; p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between PEFL and PSL (p = 0.003) suggesting that as connectivity between the JCT and IW decreases the available area for aqueous humor drainage Reprint Requests (Corresponding Author): Dr. Haiyan Gong, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, Email: hgong@bu.edu. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of th...
Most Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) mutations arise in rod photoreceptor genes, leading to diminished peripheral and nightime vision. Using a pig model of autosomal-dominant RP, we show glucose becomes sequestered in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and thus is not transported to photoreceptors. The resulting starvation for glucose metabolites impairs synthesis of cone visual pigment -rich outer segments (OS), and then their mitochondrial-rich inner segments dissociate. Loss of these functional structures diminishes cone-dependent high-resolution central vision, which is utilized for most daily tasks. By transplanting wild-type rods, to restore glucose transport, or directly replacing glucose in the subretinal space, to bypass its retention in the RPE, we can regenerate cone functional structures, reactivating the dormant cells. Beyond providing metabolic building blocks for cone functional structures, we show glucose induces thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) to regulate Akt signaling, thereby shunting metabolites toward aerobic glucose metabolism and regenerating cone OS synthesis.
SUMMARY Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) initiates with diminished rod photoreceptor function, causing peripheral and nighttime vision loss. However, subsequent loss of cone function and high-resolution daylight and color vision is most debilitating. Visual pigment-rich photoreceptor outer segments (OS) undergo phagocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and the RPE also acts as a blood-outer retinal barrier transporting nutrients, including glucose, to photoreceptors. We provide evidence that contact between externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) on OS tips and apical RPE receptors activates Akt, linking phagocytosis with glucose transport to photoreceptors for new OS synthesis. As abundant mutant rod OS tips shorten in RP, Akt activation is lost, and onset of glucose metabolism in the RPE and diminished glucose transport combine to cause photoreceptor starvation and accompanying retinal metabolome changes. Subretinal injection of OS tip mimetics displaying PS restores Akt activation, glucose transport, and cone function in end-stage RP after rods are lost.
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