Effect of tunicamycin on histological organization and Na, K-ATPase distribution in the adult cat retina.
Intravitreal injection of tunicamycin (TM) was evaluated as a method for inducing photoreceptor-specific degeneration in cat retina. TM (1 microg, 5-weeks duration) markedly decreased electroretinogram amplitudes. A polyclonal antibody directed against the Na, K-ATPase was used to further assess cell-specific retinal injury induced by TM. TM-treatment induced marked alterations in the differential distribution of the Na, K-ATPase within the retina. Histology confirmed photoreceptor degeneration in TM-treated retina, but further showed a severe, non-selective degradation of most retinal layers. Therefore, long-term intraocular exposure to TM results in a progressive general toxicity to the cat retina.
Stubbs
E B
EB
Neurology Service (127), Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA. estubbs@orion.it.luc.edu
Perlman
J I
JI
Peachey
N S
NS
D000221:Adaptation, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000187:drug effects; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008845:Microinjections; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*; D014415:Tunicamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D014415:Tunicamycin; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase