Document Detail


Activation of multiple pathways during photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd mouse.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16186330     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to characterize photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd mouse. Given that apoptosis is the final common pathway in many cases of retinal degeneration, the ability to retard or even arrest this process may ameliorate retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The absence of any recognized therapy emphasizes the fact that a detailed knowledge of the molecular events involved is necessary to identify rational targets for therapeutic intervention. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to measure physical and chemical characteristics in the photoreceptor population. Individual cells flow in suspension past one or more lasers, scattering light and emitting fluorescence. Western blot techniques demonstrated cleavage of calpain-specific substrates. Retinal explant cultures were used for inhibitor studies. Postnatal day 10 (P(10)) rd retinas were cultured without retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) attached up to P(17). RESULTS: This study demonstrated calcium overload in the cytosol and subsequently in mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected later, during the peak of cell death. Analysis of downstream events indicated early activation of calcium-activated calpains. Treatment of rd retinal explants with the calpain inhibitor N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-Nle-CHO (ALLN) successfully inhibited calpain-induced alpha-fodrin cleavage, yet it did not protect against photoreceptor degeneration. Finally, the results demonstrate an increase in the levels of both precursor and processed forms of the aspartate protease cathepsin D. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive calcium influx is an early event that initiates the activation of calcium-activated proteases. However, these proteases are not singularly the cause of death, because their inhibition does not prevent apoptosis. Indeed, the results presented herein suggest that multiple pathways are involved and that each of these components may have to be addressed for cell death to be successfully inhibited.
Authors:
Francesca Doonan; Maryanne Donovan; Thomas G Cotter
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Investigative ophthalmology & visual science     Volume:  46     ISSN:  0146-0404     ISO Abbreviation:  Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.     Publication Date:  2005 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-09-27     Completed Date:  2005-11-21     Revised Date:  2008-11-21    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7703701     Medline TA:  Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  3530-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Tumour Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Apoptosis*
Blotting, Western
Calcium / metabolism
Calpain / antagonists & inhibitors,  metabolism
Cathepsin D / metabolism
Cell-Free System
Flow Cytometry
Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
Immunoenzyme Techniques
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Leupeptins / pharmacology
Mice
Mice, Inbred C3H
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Organ Culture Techniques
Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / drug effects,  metabolism,  pathology*
Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
Retinal Degeneration / metabolism,  pathology*
Signal Transduction*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Leupeptins; 0/Reactive Oxygen Species; 110044-82-1/acetylleucyl-leucyl-norleucinal; 7440-70-2/Calcium; EC 3.4.22.-/Calpain; EC 3.4.23.5/Cathepsin D

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Differential degradation of ferritin H- and L-chains: accumulation of L-chain-rich ferritin in lens ...
Next Document:  A novel locus for autosomal dominant cone and cone-rod dystrophies maps to the 6p gene cluster of re...