A novel rat model with obesity-associated retinal degeneration.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

A strong association between retinal degeneration and obesity has been shown in humans. However, the molecular basis of increased risk for retinal degeneration in obesity is unknown. Thus, an animal model with obesity and retinal degeneration would greatly aid the understanding of obesity-associated retinal degeneration. The retinal abnormalities in a novel rat model (WNIN-Ob) with spontaneously developed obesity are described.

Methods

Histologic and immunohistochemical examination were performed on retinal sections of 2- to 12-month-old WNIN-Ob rats, and findings were compared with those of lean littermate controls. RNA from retinas of 12-month-old WNIN-Ob and lean littermate rats was used for microarray and qRT-PCR analysis.

Results

The WNIN-Ob rats develope

SUBMITTER: Reddy GB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8728689 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature