Potential role of P2X7 receptor in neurodegenerative processes in a murine model of glaucoma.

Potential role of P2X7 receptor in neurodegenerative processes in a murine model of glaucoma. Brain Res Bull. 2019 May 15;: Authors: de Lara MJP, Avilés-Trigueros M, Guzmán-Aránguez A, Valiente-Soriano FJ, la Villa P, Vidal-Sanz M, Pintor J Abstract Glaucoma is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness, characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. The mechanisms that trigger the development of glaucoma remain unknown and have gained significant relevance in the study of this neurodegenerative disease. P2 × 7 purinergic receptors (P2 × 7R) could be involved in the regulation of the synaptic transmission and neuronal death in the retina through different pathways. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular signals underlying glaucomatous retinal injury. The time-course of functional, morphological, and molecular changes in the glaucomatous retina of the DBA/2 J mice were investigated. The expression and localization of P2 × 7R was analysed in relation with retinal markers. Caspase-3, JNK, and p38 were evaluated in control and glaucomatous mice by immunohistochemical and western-blot analysis. Furthermore, electroretinogram recordings (ERG) were performed to assess inner retina dysfunction. Glaucomatous mice exhibited changes in P2 × 7R expression as long as the pathology progressed. There was P2 × 7R overexpression in RGCs, the primary injured neurons, which correlated with the ...
Source: Brain Research Bulletin - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Brain Res Bull Source Type: research