Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist regulates retinal capillary tone and restores microvascular patency after ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist on retinal capillaries under normal and ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) conditions.

Experimental approach

Capillary diameters in the whole-mounted retina were directly observed using infrared differential interference contrast microscopy. A model of retinal I/R was established inraats,using high perfusion pressure in an anterior chamber. To assess the effects of exendin-4, it was administered through subcutaneous injection, intravitreal injection, or eye drops. The underlying mechanism was explored by immunofluorescence, qPCR, and capillary western blots.

Key results

Immunofluorescence staining showed that GLP-1 receptors were expressed in endothel

SUBMITTER: Zhai R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7348095 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature