Retinal ganglion cell degeneration is topological but not cell type specific in DBA/2J mice.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2005
First Page
313
Last Page
325
JAX Source
J Cell Biol 2005 Oct; 171(2):313-25.
Abstract
Using a variety of double and triple labeling techniques, we have reevaluated the death of retinal neurons in a mouse model of hereditary glaucoma. Cell-specific markers and total neuron counts revealed no cell loss in any retinal neurons other than the ganglion cells. Within the limits of our ability to define cell types, no group of ganglion cells was especially vulnerable or resistant to degeneration. Retrograde labeling and neurofilament staining showed that axonal atrophy, dendritic remodeling, and somal shrinkage (at least of the largest cell types) precedes ganglion cell death in this glaucoma model. Regions of cell death or survival radiated from the optic nerve head in fan-shaped sectors. Collectively, the data suggest axon damage at the optic nerve head as an early lesion, and damage to axon bundles would cause this pattern of degeneration. However, the architecture of the mouse eye seems to preclude a commonly postulated source of mechanical damage within the nerve head.
Recommended Citation
Jakobs TC,
Libby RT,
Ben Y,
John SW,
Masland RH.
Retinal ganglion cell degeneration is topological but not cell type specific in DBA/2J mice. J Cell Biol 2005 Oct; 171(2):313-25.