Increase in retinal ganglion cells' susceptibility to elevated intraocular pressure and impairment of their endogenous neuroprotective mechanism by age.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate age-associated changes in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) response to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and to explore the mechanism underlying these changes. Specifically, the effect of aging on inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) gene family expression was investigated in glaucomatous eyes.

Methods

IOP was induced unilaterally in 82 Wistar rats using the translimbal photocoagulation laser model. IOP was measured using a TonoLab tonometer. RGC survival was evaluated in 3-, 6-, 13-, and 18-month-old animals. Changes in the RNA profiles of young (3-month-old) and old glaucomatous retinas were examined by PCR array for apoptosis; changes in selected genes were validated by real-time PCR; and changes in selected proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry.

SUBMITTER: Levkovitch-Verbin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3783363 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature