TrkB-T1 receptors on muller cells play critical role in brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated photoreceptor protection against phototoxicity

Takae Saito, Toshiaki Abe, Ryosuke Wakusawa, Hajime Sato, Harunobu Asai, Yumi Tokita-Ishikawa, Kohji Nishida

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To determine how brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects photoreceptors against phototoxicity. Methods: Iris pigment epithelial cells (IPE) that were transduced with different concentrations of adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated BDNF (AAV-BDNF-IPE) were transplanted into the subretinal space of rats. We also injected small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for TrkB, a BDNF receptor. The rats were exposed to continuous light to induce phototoxicity. We examined the expression of TrkB in the retina by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Significant photoreceptor protection was detected when more than 1 × 107 capsids/ml AAV-BDNF was transplanted. An intravitreal injection of siRNAs showed that the photoreceptor protection by AAV-BDNF-IPE was reduced by injecting the siRNA of TrkB-T1, one of the TrkB isoforms. TrkBT1 was slightly upregulated by Western blot, and one of the cells that upregulated TrkB-T1 was Muller cells by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: We conclude that Muller cells are one of the cells responsible for the expression of TrkBs, and TrkB-T1 may play a role in the protection of photoreceptors against phototoxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)580-588
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Eye Research
Volume34
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
  • Muller cells
  • Phototoxicity
  • Transplantation
  • TrkB-T1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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