title: Histopathological Changes of Inner Retina, Optic Disc, and Optic Nerve in Rabbit with Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa.
abstract: We observed the histopathological changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic disc, and optic nerve in rabbit with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Wild-type (WT) and rhodopsin transgenic (Tg) of RP rabbits were used at age 24 months. Light and electron microscopy were used to observe the retina, optic disc, and optic nerve. RGCs were also confirmed by immunofluorescent staining with a TUJ-1 monoclonal antibody. In addition to the rod and cone degeneration, we observed the astrocyte infiltration of the optic disc due to the damage of small RGCs and nerve fibres and atrophy of small optic nerve fibres. They subsequently lead to the optic disc excavation and atrophy of the optic nerve. Consequently, our histopathological study clarified that not only the outer retina but also the inner retina, the optic disc, and the optic nerve were also affected in the late stages of RP rabbit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University , Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Asakawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthoptics and Visual Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Shigekazu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Uga
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University , Kanagawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Kimiyo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mashimo
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Mie University Graduate School , Mie, Japan.
authors.forename: Mineo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kondo
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School , Nagoya, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Terasaki
keywords: Optic disc; optic nerve; rabbit; retinal ganglion cell; retinitis pigmentosa