Effect of hypoxia on the retina and superior colliculus of neonatal pigs.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of hypoxia on the neonatal pig retina and brain, we analysed the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and neurons in the superior colliculus, as well as the response of astrocytes in both these central nervous system (CNS) structures.

Methods

Newborn pigs were exposed to 120 minutes of hypoxia, induced by decreasing the inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2: 10-15%), followed by a reoxygenation period of 240 minutes (FiO2: 21-35%). RGCs were quantified using Brn3a, a specific nuclear marker for these cells, and apoptosis was assessed through the appearance of active caspase-3. A morphometric analysis of the cytoskeleton of astrocytes (identified with GFAP) was performed in both the retina and superior colliculus.

Results

Hypoxia produced no signifi

SUBMITTER: Ruzafa N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5391064 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature