Abstract
We examined possible involvement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on ganglion cell death in explant cultures of neonatal rat retina. Survival of retinal ganglion cells was significantly prolonged by a broad-spectrum NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methylester. NADPH diaphorase staining revealed a diffused distribution of NOS activity in neuropils of the inner plexiform layer as well as several neurons in the inner nuclear layer. Moreover, 7-nitroindazole but not aminoguanidine promoted the survival of retinal ganglion cells. These results suggest a crucial role of neuronal NOS-derived nitric oxide in retinal ganglion cell death.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Death / drug effects
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Indazoles / administration & dosage
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Indazoles / pharmacology
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NADPH Dehydrogenase / metabolism
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NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology
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Neuropil / enzymology
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
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Organ Culture Techniques
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Retinal Ganglion Cells / cytology
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Retinal Ganglion Cells / enzymology*
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Retinal Ganglion Cells / ultrastructure
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Time Factors
Substances
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Indazoles
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
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Nos1 protein, rat
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NADPH Dehydrogenase
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7-nitroindazole
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NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester