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Abstract #27875 Published in IGR 13-1
Early microglia activation in a mouse model of chronic glaucoma
Bosco A; Steele MR; Vetter MLJournal of Comparative Neurology 2011; 519: 599-620
See also comment(s) by Daniel Ju •
Changes in microglial cell activation and distribution are associated with neuronal decline in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly under pathological conditions. Activated microglia converge on the initial site of axonal degeneration in human glaucoma, yet their part in its pathophysiology remains unresolved. To begin with, it is unknown whether microglia activation precedes or is a late consequence of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurodegeneration. Here we address this critical element in DBA/2J (D2) mice, an established model of chronic inherited glaucoma, using as a control the congenic substrain DBA/2J Gpnmb(+/SjJ) (D2G), which is not affected by glaucoma. We analyzed the spatial distribution and timecourse of microglial changes in the retina, as well as within the proximal optic nerve prior to and throughout ages when neurodegeneration has been reported. Exclusively in D2 mice, we detected early microglia clustering in the inner central retina and unmyelinated optic nerve regions, with microglia activation peaking by 3 months of age. Between 5 and 8 months of age, activated microglia persisted and concentrated in the optic disc, but also localized to the retinal periphery. Collectively, our findings suggest microglia activation is an early alteration in the retina and optic nerve in D2 glaucoma, potentially contributing to disease onset or progression. Ultimately, detection of microglial activation may have value in early disease diagnosis, while modulation of microglial responses may alter disease progression. (copyright) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A. Bosco. Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States. alebosco@neuro.utah.edu
Classification:
5.1 Rodent (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
2.14 Optic disc (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)