Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jul 2009
A novel rat model with obesity-associated retinal degeneration.
A strong association between retinal degeneration and obesity has been shown in humans. However, the molecular basis of increased risk for retinal degeneration in obesity is unknown. Thus, an animal model with obesity and retinal degeneration would greatly aid the understanding of obesity-associated retinal degeneration. The retinal abnormalities in a novel rat model (WNIN-Ob) with spontaneously developed obesity are described. ⋯ WNIN-Ob rats develop increased stress in retinal tissue and progressive retinal degeneration after the onset of severe obesity. The WNIN-Ob rat is the first rat model to develop retinal degeneration after the onset of obesity. This novel rat model may be a valuable tool for investigating retinal degeneration associated with obesity in humans.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jul 2009
Immunologic mechanisms of corneal allografts reconstituted from cultured allogeneic endothelial cells in an immune-privileged site.
To analyze outcomes and immunologic features after cultured corneal endothelial cell (CEC) transplantation in a murine model. ⋯ These findings indicate that immunologic ignorance rather than active immunosuppression is important for the rejection-free acceptance of chimeric CEC allografts. Transplantation of corneal grafts formed with allogeneic CECs could be an ideal treatment strategy to overcome postoperative rejection.
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Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. · Jul 2009
Expression and modulation of RPE cell membrane complement regulatory proteins.
Complement, inflammation, and oxidant injury contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Membrane complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs) such as CD46, CD55, and CD59, protect host cells from complement attack. The factors that regulate RPE mCRP expression are not well understood. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether cytokines and hydroquinone (HQ) affect mCRP expression in cultured human RPE (hRPE) and cultured mouse RPE (mRPE) cells. ⋯ Human and mouse RPE cell mCRPs are upregulated by inflammatory cytokines and repetitive nonlethal oxidant exposure in a species-specific manner. Increased cell mCRPs may help to protect RPE cells from complement- and oxidant-mediated injury in diseases such as AMD.