SkQ1 slows development of age-dependent destructive processes in retina and vascular layer of eyes of wistar and OXYS rats

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2012 Jun;77(6):648-58. doi: 10.1134/S0006297912060120.

Abstract

We show the development of clearly pronounced age-related pathological changes in eye tissues of Wistar and OXYS rats. Photoreceptor cells were virtually absent in all OXYS rats in the age of 24 months. Massive accumulations of lipofuscin granules were detected in the pigmented epithelium cells. Flattening, overgrowing, and degradation of endothelial cells of choriocapillaries were also observed. Along with these changes, vessels without signs of degradation were detected in the pigmented epithelium. In 24-month-old Wistar rats these changes were local and were seen in only some of the animals. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (the rats were given SkQ1 daily with food at the dose of 250 nmol/kg for 5 months, starting from the age of 19 months) prevented the development of these pathological changes in both Wistar and OXYS rats. The data were subjected to mathematical processing and statistical analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Capillaries / drug effects
  • Capillaries / pathology
  • Choroid / blood supply
  • Choroid / drug effects*
  • Choroid / pathology
  • Free Radical Scavengers / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Macular Degeneration / prevention & control
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Photoreceptor Cells / drug effects
  • Photoreceptor Cells / pathology
  • Plastoquinone / administration & dosage
  • Plastoquinone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Retina / drug effects*
  • Retina / pathology
  • Retina / ultrastructure
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / drug effects
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / pathology
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Plastoquinone