Abstract
TRPV2 is a stretch-activated transient receptor potential channel
present in neurons as well as cells of the vasculature. In the retina,
we have reported that TRPV2 contributes to the myogenic constriction of retinal arterial vessels, a mechanism that protects the
downstream capillary beds from overt changes in pressure and
flow. Diminished myogenic signalling is an early hallmark of diabetic retinopathy and our previous work has shown reduced TRPV2
channel expression and activity in rodent models of diabetes.
Here we report that TRPV2 heterozygous (+/-) rats exhibit reduced TRPV2 expression and develop retinal pathology reminiscent
of diabetic retinopathy. TRPV2+/- rats were assessed for retinal
pathology at postnatal days (P) 20, 90 and 360. Immunohistochemical analysis of flat-mounted retinas and retinal cryosections was
performed to study the vascular, neuronal and glial components.
Vasopermeability was assessed using the Evan‘s blue dye method
and systemic blood pressure measured using tail cuff plethysmography. Retinal neurophysiology was examined by electroretinography (ERG). Blood glucose, haemoglobin A1c and systemic blood
pressure were within normal parameters in TRPV2+/- rats. At P90
and P360, TRPV2+/- animals exhibited a significant increase in vasopermeability (P< 0.05) and acellular capillary formation (collagen
IV positive/Isolectin B4 negative vessels; P< 0.05). A decrease in
the mean number of retinal ganglion cells (p< 0.001) and an increase in the proportion of activated Müller glia (GFAP-positive;
p< 0.0001) was also observed. In addition, microglial cell numbers
were increased in P90 and P360 TRPV2+/- retinas (P< 0.05 & P<
0.01 respectively). TRPV2+/- animals also had a reduction in the
amplitude of both the ERG A & B-waves at P360 (P< 0.01). TRPV2
heterozygous rats exhibit microvascular pathology without changes in blood sugar levels or blood pressure, suggesting that even
partial loss of TRPV2 channels is sufficiently detrimental to cause
retinal pathology. Reduced TRPV2 function may be a contributing
factor to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 145 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Accepted - 2018 |
Event | XXIII Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Eye Research - Belfast, United Kingdom Duration: 09 Sept 2018 → 13 Sept 2018 http://www.iserbiennialmeeting2018.org/ |
Conference
Conference | XXIII Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Eye Research |
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Abbreviated title | ISER 2018 |
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Belfast |
Period | 09/09/2018 → 13/09/2018 |
Internet address |