title: Effect of tunicamycin on histological organization and Na, K-ATPase distribution in the adult cat retina.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Service (127), Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA. estubbs@orion.it.luc.edu
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Stubbs
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Perlman
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Peachey
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014415:Tunicamycin; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase