Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the retina of a rat model of chronic glaucoma.
We investigated the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in a rat retina model of chronic glaucoma, which was produced by electrocauterization of the episcleral vessels. Western-blot analysis showed that nNOS expression was significantly increased in cauterized retinas. nNOS immunoreactivity was observed in the cells of both the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. Double labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) revealed that RGCs in the retina of cauterized rat was nNOS-immunopositive. Systemic administration of L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester), a non-specific NOS inhibitor, reduced RGC loss in cauterized rat retina, but there was no statistical significance (P =.06). These results suggest that the cytotoxicity of excessive NO plays a role in selective RGC loss in glaucoma.
Park
Shin Hae
SH
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Socho-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Jie Hyun
JH
Kim
Yoon Hee
YH
Park
Chan Kee
CK
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western / Q000379:methods; D002452:Cell Count; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I / Q000032:analysis*; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000032:analysis; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012160:Retina / Q000201:enzymology*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D051248:Retinal Horizontal Cells / Q000201:enzymology