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Abstract #20863 Published in IGR 10-2
Changes in visual fields and lateral geniculate nucleus in monkey laser-induced high intraocular pressure model
Sasaoka M; Nakamura K; Shimazawa M; Ito Y; Araie M; Hara HExperimental Eye Research 2008; 86: 770-782
See also comment(s) by Neeru Gupta •
Monkey eyes are useful for ophthalmologic research into eye diseases because their histological and functional properties are very similar to those of humans. The monkey laser-induced high intraocular pressure (IOP) model is a common model for ophthalmologic research, especially into glaucoma. Although several studies using this model have focused on changes in visual field, retinal ganglion cells (RGC), and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), clear relationships among these changes in one and the same monkey have not been established. We therefore examined visual field changes, RGC and LGN numbers, and glial fibrous acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry in the LGN in each of two monkeys. Visual field sensitivity, RGC number, and neuronal density of LGN were all decreased by high IOP. The relationship between loss of RGC and decrease in visual field sensitivity depended on the eccentricity from the fovea. Moreover, LGN immunohistochemistry revealed greater increases in GFAP expression in the layers receiving a neuronal input from the high IOP eye than in those receiving a neuronal input from the contralateral untreated eye. From these results, we suggest that glaucoma may lead to changes in glial function not only in the retina, but also in the visual pathway, and that such central nervous system changes may be a hallmark of neuropathy in glaucoma, as in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. M. Sasaoka, Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi 484-8506, Japan; Advanced Medical Technology Unit, Research and Development Center, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 8916-16 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0101, Japan
Classification:
2.16 Chiasma and retrochiasmal central nervous system (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
5.2 Primates (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
3.3 Immunohistochemistry (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)
