Objective To construct small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid targeting rat opticin gene.Methods Four pairs of opticin oligonucleotides were synthesized and inserted into the plasmid vector, resulting into four plasmids: shRNA-1, shRNA-2, shRNA-3 and shRNA-4. Then the four constructed shRNA expression vectors and empty vector were transfected into rat ciliary non-pigment epithelium (NPE) cells by lipofectmaine 2000. Nontransfected NPE cells were set as control group.The expression of opticin mRNA and protein were measured by Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot respectively.Results The opticin mRNA expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were decreased compared with the control group (F=10.239，P＝0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 85.7%，62.87%，54.87% and 48.77% respectively.The opticin protein expression of the shRNA-1,shRNA-2,shRNA-3,shRNA-4 group were also decreased compared with the control group (F=17.870，P=0.000)；the inhibitory rate were 78.7%，34.6%，31.1% and 16.8% respectively.Conclusions The shRNA-1 expression plasmid has most potent inhibitory effect on opticin expression in rat ciliary NPE cells.
Standard venographies were pcrformed to evaluate the endothelial damage by the contrast medium. After different time intervals, the local veins were prepared for transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) investigation. The veins were in a dilated state after the angiographies, which lasted for about two days. The endothelial damage was most severe 1 day after the venography. Besides the lesions of extensive endothelial tissurs, dcsquamations, and the exposure of subendothelial tissues, microthrombi somethimes were found. Healing occurred within 3 days. The results this study has also verifieed that it was more valuable to study venogqaphic effects on veins with TEM and SEM.
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activation on cellular oxidative stress induced by high glucose in bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells(BRECs). Methods The BRECs were treated by different culture medium with various glucose concentrations (5 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose, 30 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L KU55933) as normal glucose group, high glucose group and treatment group respectively.After the cells incubated for 48 hours, the protein expression of ATM, P-ATM, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase P38(P38), P-P38, Extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs), P-ERKs was detected by Western blot; cellular ROS level was detected by Reactive Oxygen Species Assay Kit; propidium iodide/Hoechst staining was used for analysis of apoptosis; the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant was determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); the paracellular permeability between endothelium cells was detected by FITC-dextran. ResultsCompared with the protein level of P-ATM, P-P38 and P-ERKs in high glucose group increased. Especially, P-P38, P-ERKs expressed much more than in high glucose group. The secretion of VEGF in high glucose group was higher than that in the normal glucose group but less than that in treatment group. The same tendency existed in ROS assay, apoptosis assay and paracellular permeability measuring. ConclusionsHigh glucose induced altered activation of ATM which might play a protective role in cellular oxidative stress. Deficiency of ATM might lead to ROS explosion, cell apoptosis and dysfunction of endothelial barrier. The mechanism might be associated with P38, ERKs and VEGF.
Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of recombined adenovirus of p21 (rAd-p21) on the proliferation of Rhesus retinal vascular endothelial cell line (RF/6A). Methods RF/6A cells were cultured in vitro which divided into phosphate buffered solution (PBS) group, rAd-p21 transfection group and negative control (NC) group. Plasmid vectors were transfected into RF/6A cells. The expression of p21 mRNA and protein in RF/6A cells were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Endothelial-cell tube formation assay was performed in Matrigel.Results The expression of p21 mRNA and protein in rAd-p21 transfection group were higher than that in PBS and negative control group. The cell cycle distribution showed that the proportion of G0/G1 cells in rAd-p21 transfection group ［(67.45plusmn;11.61) %］ was apparently higher than that in the negative control group ［(41.55plusmn;8.99)%］ and PBS group ［(40.76plusmn;6.66) %］ (F=21.284, P=0.000). The number of endothelialcell tubes in the rAd-p21 transfection group (3.86plusmn;1.21) was apparently less than that in the negative control group (7.62plusmn;2.69) and PBS group (8.25plusmn;3.19) (F=7.138，P=0.004). Conclusions The p21 mRNA and protein can stably express in RF/6A cells after rAd-p21 transfection. RAd-p21 can inhibit the proliferation of RF/6A cells.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of form deprivation myopia on optic nerve head and retinal morphology in guinea pigs using optical coherence tomography (OCT). MethodsTwenty guinea pigs aged from 4 to 5 weeks were chosen and randomly divided into the experimental group and control group, with 10 guinea pigs in each group. Form deprivation myopia was established for the right eyes of guinea pigs in experimental group for 4 weeks. The guinea pigs of control group were not intervened. Before and 4 weeks after form deprivation, refraction was measured by retinoscopy after cycloplegia; the axial length was measured by A-scan ultrasound; retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, optic nerve head and retinal morphology of guinea pigs were analyzed using OCT. ResultsBefore form deprivation, there were no statistically significant differences in spherical equivalent, axial length, RNFL thickness, disc edge area, optic disc area, average cup disc ratio, vertical cup disc ratio, cup volume, retinal thickness, or retinal volume between the experimental group and control group of guinea pig (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of form deprivation, RNFL thickness of (64.9±17.7) μm in guinea pigs in experimental group was thinner compared to (97.9±25.1) μm in control group (t=-2.845, P=0.015). Retinal thickness of (142.7±3.4) μm in guinea pigs in experimental group was thicker compared to (138.4±3.5) μm in control group (t=2.338, P=0.038). There were no significant differences in disc edge area, optic disc area, average cup disc ratio, vertical cup disc ratio, cup volume or retinal volume between groups (P > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spherical equivalent, axial length, RNFL thickness, vertical cup to disc ratio cup volume, and retinal thickness between after and before form deprivation in the right eye of guinea pigs in the experimental groups (t=46.001, -50.119, 5.385, 3.447, -2.814, -8.911; P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in disc edge area, optic disc area, average cup disc ratio, or retinal volume (P > 0.05). ConclusionForm deprivation myopia has an effect on RNFL and retinal thickness.
From the results of this experiment, it showed that the implanted tendon was gradually extruded from the tibia hole and attached to the periosteum. The dominant breeding of tissue cells, cytodynamics, the perimeter ratio of tendon/bone and the effect of revascularization were discussed in detail.
ObjectiveTo study the inhibitory effects of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) on oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice, and to investigate the possible involvement of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the neovascular-inhibitory function of PEDF. Methods A total of 140 postnatal day (P)7 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model group, PEDF treatment group and PBS treatment control group. All mice except normal control group with their mothers were exposed to (75±2)% oxygen environment for 5 days and then kept in room air for another 5 days to establish the OIR model. Mice in normal control group were kept in room air only. At P12 and P14, respectively, mice in PEDF treatment group received intravitreous injections of 1 μl PEDF (2 μg/μl), while PBS treatment control group received the same volume of PBS (10 mmol/L, pH7.4).All mice were euthanized at P17 and eyes were isolated. The changes of retinal vessels were observed on retinal flat mounts and cryosections by fluorescence microscopy. Retinal specimens were prepared for IL-1β protein and mRNA analysis by Western blot and real time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-PCR). ResultsChanges of retinal vessels had been viewed by fluorescence microscopy on flat-mounted retina, the relative retinal neovascularization areas were significantly increased in OIR model group compared with normal control group (t=15.02, P < 0.01), and the relative retinal neovascularization areas were obviously smaller in PEDF treatment group than those in PBS treatment control group (t=5.96, P < 0.01). Fluorescence staining revealed that retinal vascular tufts were extending from outer plexiform layer (OPL) to ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the retina along with multiple interconnections; Neovascular tufts in OIR model group and PBS treatment control group were presenting distinctly more than those of normal control group and PEDF treatment group. The specific expression levels of IL-1β protein in retinas of OIR mice by Western-blot analysis were higher than those of normal control group(t=3.35, P < 0.05), While these of PEDF treatment group showed a considerable decline in comparison with PBS treatment control group (P < 0.01), and there were no difference in normal control group and PEDF-treated group (F=11.764, P > 0.05). Similarly, expression levels of IL-1β mRNA tested by Real-time RT-PCR were obviously increased in the OIR model group when compared to normal control group(t=4.43, P < 0.01). After treated with PEDF, expression levels of IL-1β mRNA showed a considerable decrease when compared to PBS treatment control group (P < 0.01), and there were no difference in normal control group and PEDF-treated group (F=11.15, P > 0.05). ConclusionsPEDF can inhibit oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization. The mechanism may be related to that PEDF can downregulate the expression of IL-1β in retina.
Taking Wistar rats and pigs as models, the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was studied on wound healing. Five rats and five pigs were used in the experiment. Each rat had 2 roundshapedwound (1.8cm in diameter) and each pig had 4 wounds of the same size as that ofthe rat. One wound of each rat and 2 wound of each pig were dressed with bFGF saline (60U/cm2). While the other wounds of the rats and pigs were dressed with normal saline as control. The wounds treated with bFGF were completely covered with granulation tissue on the 7th day after injury, and in 14 days the wounds were almost completely covered by epithelium. The bFGF would enhance the growth of theepithelial cells, reepithelization of the wound and the tensile strength of thetissue. It was concluded that the bFGF could promote skin regeneration, whichmight be the direct action of bFGF on the bFGF receptors in the basic cells of skin.
Objective To observe the expression of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and p25 in the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats and its relationships with apoptosis. To explore the mechanism of Cdk5 and p25 induced photoreceptor apoptosis in the pathogenesis of RP. Methods Retinas of RCS and RCS-rdy+ rats were obtained at the ages of postnatal day 17, 25, 35, 60. The retinal structure and thickness of outer nuclear layer were measured by optical microscopy. The expression of Cdk5, p25, cleave-caspase 3 in the retina was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of cleave-caspase 3 in the retina was determined by Western blot. The apoptosis of retinal cells was examined by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL). The mean absorbance value of apoptotic cells was analyzed by SPSS 17.0 software. Results The retinal thickness of the RCS rats was significantly reduced in comparison to the RCS-rdy+ rats as the postnatal days progressed, particularly in the layer of rods and cones and the outer nuclear layer. The expression level of Cdk5, p25, cleave-caspase 3 of RCS rats increased from postnatal 17 days to postnatal 35 days, while decreased on postnatal 60 days; but there was no obvious change of above indexes in RCS-rdy+ rats. The protein expression of cleave-caspase 3 in the RCS rats was significantly increased with progression of postnatal days to postnatal 35; but there was no obvious similar change in RCS-rdy+ rats. The results of TUNEL showed that the apoptotic cells significantly increased in the outer nuclear layer of RCS rats from postnatal 17 days to postnatal 35 days, while decreased on postnatal 60 days; but there was no obvious change of above index in RCS-rdy+ rats. This study showed that there were significant correlations between the following variables: Cdk5 expression and p25 expression, Cdk5 expression and cleave-caspase 3 expression, Cdk5 expression and apoptotic cells, p25 expression and cleave-caspase 3 expression, p25 expression and apoptotic cells, cleave-caspase 3 expression and apoptotic cells. The partial correlation coefficients were 0.949, 0.808, 0.959, 0.887, 0.979, 0.852, respectively and the P value was 0.000. Conclusions The apoptotic cells significantly increases and the expression level of Cdk5, p25, cleave-caspase 3 of RCS rats increases from postnatal 17 days to postnatal 35 days. The tendency of apoptotic cells to increase is consistent with the change of Cdk5, p25, cleave-caspase 3 expression. The apoptosis of photoreceptor cells is related to increasing expression of Cdk5 and p25 in RCS rats. Cdk5 may be involved in the development of RP in RCS rats.
Objective To observe the effects of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the expression of neurotrophic factor protein gene in the retinal detachment (RD) rabbits. Methods 60 healthy rabbits were randomly divided into control group (group A), retinal detachment with PBS group (group B), retinal detachment with BMSCs group (group C), 20 rabbits in each group. RD model were established for rabbits in group B and C. 10 μl PBS was injected into the subretinal space of rabbits in group B, while 10 μl CM-Dil labeled BMSC PBS was injected into subretinal space of rabbits in group C. The rabbits in the group A received no treatment. At 1, 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Results At 1, 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF, CNTF on retinal tissue were increased significantly in group C as compared with group A and B (P < 0.01). At 1 week after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF and CNTF on retinal tissue were increased significantly in group B as compared with group A, the mRNA expression of BDNF on retinal tissue in group B was similar with group C. At 2 and 4 weeks after modeling, the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF, CNTF were decreased in group B as compared with group A. Conclusion Subretinal transplantation of BMSC can increase the mRNA expression of bFGF, BDNF and CNTF on retinal tissue in RD rabbits.