Abstract
Secondary cone degeneration in the transgenic rats carrying the S334ter rhodopsin mutation (S334ter-3 rats) starts at the peak of rod degeneration (PD12) and progresses with age. An early sign of cone degeneration is the loss of cone outer segments (COS) distributed in many small patches throughout the retina. Cone cell death occurs about 2 months later. When treated with CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor), impaired cones regenerate COS. Sustained delivery of CNTF prevents cones from degeneration and helps to maintain COS and function. These results indicate that cone degeneration is reversible at early stages, and supports a therapeutic strategy of sustained delivery of CNTF to prevent cone degeneration.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Regeneration / drug effects*
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Regeneration / physiology
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Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / drug effects*
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Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / pathology
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Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / physiology
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Retinal Degeneration / drug therapy*
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Retinal Degeneration / pathology
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Retinal Degeneration / physiopathology
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Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Outer Segment / drug effects*
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Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Outer Segment / pathology
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Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Outer Segment / physiology
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Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / drug effects
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Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / physiology
Substances
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Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor