Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and derived peptides promote survival and differentiation of photoreceptors and induce neurite-outgrowth in amacrine neurons.

ABSTRACT: Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a cytoprotective protein for the retina. We hypothesize that this protein acts on neuronal survival and differentiation of photoreceptor cells in culture. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the neurotrophic effects of PEDF and its fragments in an in vitro model of cultured primary retinal neurons that die spontaneously in the absence of trophic factors. We used Wistar albino rats. Cell death was assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry through TUNEL assay, propidium iodide, mitotracker, and annexin V. Immunofluorescence of cells for visualizing rhodopsin, CRX, and antisyntaxin under confocal microscopy was performed. Neurite outgrowth was also quantified. Results show that PEDF protected photoreceptor precursors from apoptos

SUBMITTER: Michelis G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9590253 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature