Astrocytes and Muller Cell Alterations During Retinal Degeneration in a Transgenic Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Retinitis pigmentosa includes a group of progressive retinal degenerative diseases that affect the structure and function of photoreceptors. Secondarily to the loss of photoreceptors, there is a reduction in retinal vascularization, which seems to influence the cellular degenerative process. Retinal macroglial cells, astrocytes, and Müller cells provide support for retinal neurons and are fundamental for maintaining normal retinal function. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of macroglial changes during retinal degeneration in P23H rats.

Methods

Homozygous P23H line-3 rats aged from P18 to 18 months were used to study the evolution of the disease, and SD rats were used as controls. Immunolabeling with antibodies against GFAP, vimentin, and transdu

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Sanchez L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4686678 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature