Evaluating the Optic Nerve Crush Model to Understand the Function of Microglia in Glaucoma Neuroprotection.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Microgliosis is a key neuroinflammatory feature in human glaucomatous retinas, believed to contribute to disease progression. This study aims to characterize changes in microglia and intra-retinal axons following optic nerve crush (ONC) and investigate microglial involvement in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and axonal degeneration.

Methods

Using the CD11c.YFP.Venus.Tg mouse line, we tracked microglial activation and assessed the spatiotemporal changes in TUJ1+ intraretinal axons over a 2-week period post-ONC. Microglial function was examined by depleting microglia with the CSF1R inhibitor PLX5622 and using Trem2-deficient mice with dampened microglial activation.

Results

Activated microglia accumulated significantly in the retina from day 4 post-ONC, peaking at

SUBMITTER: Gu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12476160 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature