Decelerated neurodegeneration after intravitreal injection of α-synuclein antibodies in a glaucoma animal model

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 24;7(1):6260. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-06702-1.

Abstract

Although elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the major risk factor in glaucoma, neurodegenerative processes continue despite effective IOP lowering. Altered α-synuclein antibody (Abs) levels have been reported to play a crucial role. This study aimed at identifying whether α-synuclein Abs are capable to decelerate neuronal decay while providing insights into proteomic changes. Four groups of Sprague Dawley rats received episcleral vein occlusion: (1) CTRL, no intravitreal injection, n = 6, (2) CTRL IgG, intravitreal injection of unspecific IgG, n = 5, (3) Buffer, intravitreal injection of buffer, n = 6, (4), α-synuclein Ab, intravitreal injection of α-synuclein Ab, n = 5. IOP and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) were monitored and immunohistochemistry, microarray and proteomic analysis were performed. RNFLT was reduced in CTRL, CTRL IgG and Buffer group (all p < 0.01) and α-synuclein Ab group (p = 0.17). Axon and RGC density showed an increased neurodegeneration in CTRL, CTRL IgG and Buffer group (all p < 0.01) and increased neuronal survival in α-synuclein Ab group (p = 0.38 and 0.06, respectively) compared with fellow eyes. Proteomic analysis revealed alterations of cofilin 1 and superoxide dismutase 1 expression. This data indicate that α-synuclein Ab might indirectly modulate the actin cytoskeleton organization and negatively regulate apoptotic processes via cofilin 1 and superoxide dismutase 1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Apoptosis
  • Deceleration
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / complications*
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Nerve Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Nerve Degeneration / etiology
  • Nerve Degeneration / immunology
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Proteomics
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Retina / metabolism*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / drug effects
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / immunology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology
  • alpha-Synuclein / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Snca protein, rat
  • alpha-Synuclein