Low-level electrical stimulation to the eye has been shown to be neuroprotective against retinal degeneration in both human and animal subjects, using approaches such as subretinal implants and transcorneal electrical stimulation. In this study, we investigated the benefits of whole-eye electrical stimulation (WES) in a rodent model of retinitis pigmentosa. Transgenic rats with a P23H-1 rhodopsin mutation were treated with 30 min of low-level electrical stimulation (4 μA at 5 Hz; n = 10) or sham stimulation (Sham group; n = 15), twice per week, from 4 to 24 weeks of age. Retinal and visual functions were assessed every 4 weeks using electroretinography and optokinetic tracking, respectively. At the final time point, eyes were enucleated and processed for histology. Separate cohorts were stimulated once for 30 min, and retinal tissue harvested at 1 h and 24 h post-stimulation for real-time PCR detection of growth factors and inflammatory and apoptotic markers. At all time-points after treatment, WES-treated rat eyes exhibited significantly higher spatial frequency thresholds than untreated eyes. Inner retinal function, as measured by ERG oscillatory potentials (OPs), showed significantly improved OP amplitudes at 8 and 12 weeks post-WES compared to Sham eyes. Additionally, while photoreceptor segment and nuclei thicknesses in P23H-1 rats did not change between treatment groups, WES-treated eyes had significantly greater numbers of retinal ganglion cell nuclei than Sham eyes at 20 weeks post-WES. Gene expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), caspase 3, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and glutamine synthetase (GS) were significantly higher at 1 h, but not 24 h after WES treatment. Our findings suggest that WES has a beneficial effect on visual function in a rat model of retinal degeneration and that post-receptoral neurons may be particularly responsive to electrical stimulation therapy.

Purpose Test the hypothesis that subretinal electrical stimulation from a microphotodiode array (MPA) exerts a neuroprotective effect in RCS rats through the induction of growth factors. Methods RCS rats were divided into four groups at P21 in which one eye per rat received treatment: (A) active MPA, (M) minimally-active MPA, (S) sham surgery, or (C) no surgery and the opposite eye was unoperated. Dark- and light-adapted ERGs were recorded one week after surgery. A second set of A-, M-, and C-treated RCS rats had weekly ERG recordings for 4 weeks. Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure relative expression of mRNAs (Bdnf, Fgf2, Fgf1, Cntf, Gdnf, and Igf1) in retina samples collected 2 days after the final ERG. Results One week after surgery, there was a slight difference in dark-adapted ERG b-wave at the brightest flash intensity. Mean retinal Fgf2 expression in the treated eye relative to the opposite eye was greatest for the A group (4.67 +/−0.72) compared to the M group (2.80 +/−0.45, p=0.0501), S group (2.03 +/−0.45, p<0.01), and C group (1.30 +/−0.22, p<0.001). No significant change was detected for Bdnf, Cntf, Fgf1, Gdnf, and Igf1. Four weeks after surgery, the A group had significantly larger dark- and light-adapted ERG b-waves compared to the M and C groups (p<0.01). Simultaneously, mean relative Fgf2 expression was again greatest for the A group (3.28 +/−0.61) compared to the M (1.28 +/− 0.32, p<0.05) and C groups (1.05 +/−0.04, p<0.05). Conclusion The results show subretinal implantation of an MPA induces selective expression of Fgf2 above that expected from a retina-piercing injury. Preservation of ERG b-wave amplitude 4 weeks after implantation is accompanied by elevated Fgf2 expression. These results suggest that Fgf2 may play a role in the neuroprotection provided by subretinal electrical stimulation.

Purpose The interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) gene possesses an unusual structure, encoding multiple Repeats, each consisting of about 300 amino acids. Our goals were to gain insight into the function of IRBP, and to test the current model for the evolution of IRBP, in which Repeats were replicated from a simpler ancestral gene. Methods We employed a bioinformatics approach to analyze IRBP loci in recently completed or near-complete genome sequences of several vertebrates and nonvertebrate chordates. IRBP gene expression in zebrafish was evaluated by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and in situ mRNA hybridizations with gene-specific probes. Results Patterns of exons and introns in the IRBP genes of tetrapods were highly similar, as were predicted amino acid sequences and Repeat structures. IRBP gene structure in teleost fish was more variable, and we report a new gene structure for two species, the Japanese puffer fish (Takifugu rubripes) and the zebrafish (Danio rerio). These teleost genomes contain a two-gene IRBP locus arranged head-to-tail in which the first gene, Gene 1, is intronless and contains a single large exon encoding three complete Repeats. It is followed by a second gene, Gene 2, which corresponds to the previously reported gene consisting of two Repeats spread across four exons and three introns. Each of the two zebrafish genes is transcribed. Gene 2 is expressed in the photoreceptors and RPE, and Gene 1 is expressed in the inner nuclear layer and weakly in the ganglion cell layer. Conclusions The tetrapod IRBP gene structure is highly conserved while the teleost fish gene structure was a surprise: It appears to be a two-gene locus with distinct Repeat organization in each open reading frame. This gene structure and gene expression data are consistent with possible neofunctionalization or sub-function partitioning of Gene 1 and Gene 2 in the zebrafish. We suggest that the two-gene locus in teleost fish arose as a consequence of either the known whole genome duplication or single gene tandem duplication.

Purpose The aim of this study was to test whether oligonucleotide-targeted gene repair can correct the point mutation in genomic DNA of PDE6brd1 (rd1) mouse retinas in vivo. Methods Oligonucleotides (ODNs) of 25 nucleotide length and complementary to genomic sequence subsuming the rd1 point mutation in the gene encoding the β-subunit of rod photoreceptor cGMP-phosphodiesterase (β-PDE), were synthesized with a wild type nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation position. Control ODNs contained the same nucleotide bases as the wild type ODNs but with varying degrees of sequence mismatch. We previously developed a repeatable and relatively non-invasive technique to enhance ODN delivery to photoreceptor nuclei using transpalpebral iontophoresis prior to intravitreal ODN injection. Three such treatments were performed on C3H/henJ (rd1) mouse pups before postnatal day (PN) 9. Treatment outcomes were evaluated at PN28 or PN33, when retinal degeneration was nearly complete in the untreated rd1 mice. The effect of treatment on photoreceptor survival was evaluated by counting the number of nuclei of photoreceptor cells and by assessing rhodopsin immunohistochemistry on flat-mount retinas and sections. Gene repair in the retina was quantified by allele-specific real time PCR and by detection of β-PDE-immunoreactive photoreceptors. Confirmatory experiments were conducted using independent rd1 colonies in separate laboratories. These experiments had an additional negative control ODN that contained the rd1 mutant nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation site such that the sole difference between treatment with wild type and control ODN was the single base at the rd1 point mutation site. Results Iontophoresis enhanced the penetration of intravitreally injected ODNs in all retinal layers. Using this delivery technique, significant survival of photoreceptors was observed in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODNs but not control ODNs as demonstrated by cell counting and rhodopsin immunoreactivity at PN28. β-PDE immunoreactivity was present in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN but not from those treated with control ODNs. Gene correction demonstrated by allele-specific real time PCR and by counts of β-PDE-immunoreactive cells was estimated at 0.2%. Independent confirmatory experiments showed that retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN contained many more rhodopsin immunoreactive cells compared to retinas treated with control (rd1 sequence) ODN, even when harvested at PN33. Conclusions Short ODNs can be delivered with repeatable efficiency to mouse photoreceptor cells in vivo using a combination of intravitreal injection and iontophoresis. Delivery of therapeutic ODNs to rd1 mouse eyes resulted in genomic DNA conversion from mutant to wild type sequence, low but observable β-PDE immunoreactivity, and preservation of rhodopsin immunopositive cells in the outer nuclear layer, suggesting that ODN-directed gene repair occurred and preserved rod photoreceptor cells. Effects were not seen in eyes treated with buffer or with ODNs having the rd1 mutant sequence, a definitive control for this therapeutic approach. Importantly, critical experiments were confirmed in two laboratories by several different researchers using independent mouse colonies and ODN preparations from separate sources. These findings suggest that targeted gene repair can be achieved in the retina following enhanced ODN delivery.

PURPOSE: Bear bile has been used in Asia for over 3,000 years to treat visual disorders, yet its therapeutic potential remains unexplored in Western vision research. The purpose of this study was to test whether treatment of mice undergoing retinal degeneration with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a primary constituent of bear bile, alters the course of degeneration. METHODS: Two retinal degeneration models were tested: the rd10 mouse, which has a point mutation in the gene encoding the beta subunit of rod phosphodiesterase, and light induced retinal damage (LIRD). For LIRD studies, albino Balb/C adult mice were subcutaneously injected with TUDCA (500 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (0.15 M NaHCO(3)). Sixteen h later, each mouse received repeat injections. Half of each treatment group was then placed in bright light (10,000 lux) or dim light (200 lux) for seven h. At the end of exposure, animals were transferred to their regular housing. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were assessed 24 h later, mice sacrificed, eyes embedded in paraffin and sectioned, and retina sections assayed for morphology and apoptosis by TUNEL and anti-active caspase-3 immunoreactivity via fluorescent confocal microscopy. A subset of mice were sacrificed 8 and 15 days after exposure and retina sections analyzed for morphology and apoptosis. For rd10 studies, mice were injected subcutaneously with TUDCA or vehicle at postnatal (P) days 6, 9, 12, and 15. At p18, ERGs were recorded, mice were euthanized and eyes were harvested, fixed, and processed. Retinal sections were stained (toluidine blue), and retinal cell layers morphometrically analyzed by light microscopy. Consecutive sections were analyzed for apopotosis as above. RESULTS: By every measure, TUDCA greatly slowed retinal degeneration in LIRD and rd10 mice. ERG a-wave and b-wave amplitudes were greater in mice treated with TUDCA compared to those treated with vehicle. Retinas of TUDCA-treated mice had thicker outer nuclear layers, more photoreceptor cells, and more fully-developed photoreceptor outer segments. Finally, TUDCA treatments dramatically suppressed signs of apoptosis in both models. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic injection of TUDCA, a primary constituent of bear bile, profoundly suppressed apoptosis and preserved function and morphology of photoreceptor cells in two disparate mouse models of retinal degeneration. It may be that bear bile has endured so long in Asian pharmacopeias due to efficacy resulting from this anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective activity of TUDCA. These results also indicate that a systematic, clinical assessment of TUDCA may be warranted.

PURPOSE: Iontophoresis has been used for drug delivery across the cornea for many years. We sought to test whether small charged dyes and DNA can be transferred across human sclera by an electric field. METHODS: Full-thickness human scleral fragments were embedded vertically in an agarose gel and positioned to completely span individual gel lanes. The scleral fragments were located approximately 1 cm downstream from the gel wells. DNA or dyes were loaded into the wells and electrophoresis was carried out at about 3.3 V/cm for approximately 2 h per run. Movement of DNA and dyes through the agarose and sclera was measured with either digital time-lapse photography or through DNA extraction and purification from the gel. SYBR green stain was used as a sensitive method to detect DNA. RESULTS: Digital time-lapse photography of agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that two dyes, xylene cyanol and bromphenol blue, passed through the sclera in the presence of an electric field. Xylene cyanol was driven through the sclera virtually unimpeded except for some spreading of the dye. Bromphenol blue was slowed markedly by the sclera, but it too eventually passed through the tissue. Small DNAs, including a single stranded 51-mer and a double hairpin 68-mer oligonucleotide, passed through the sclera as detected by SYBR green staining. Linear double stranded DNAs ranging from 50 bp to 12,000 bp passed through the sclera. The larger the DNA, the slower the rate of passage through the sclera, and the greater the band spreading. pEGFP-1 (a 3 kb plasmid) passed through the sclera but was accompanied by a great amount of band spreading. Following completion of the initial electrophoresis run, the plasmid DNA was extracted from the smeared bands in the agarose distal to the sclera and re-run on a second gel without sclera. The initially smeared plasmid bands resolved into 2 distinct bands after extraction and purification and matched well with control plasmid bands. CONCLUSIONS: Charged molecules such as xylene cyanol, bromphenol blue, and DNAs ranging from 51 bp oligonucleotides to a 3 kb plasmid can be driven across human sclera by an electric field and directly detected. Passage of plasmids was efficient, but the plasmid bands were diffuse after transit. This technique offers promise as a noninvasive DNA delivery tool, where gene therapy can be accomplished by small RNA or DNA synthetic oligonucleotides, larger double stranded fragments, or even plasmids.

While merkd mice and RCS rats share the same Mertk mutation and an upregulation of Fgf2 in response to subretinal electrical stimulation (SES), they have different neuroprotective responses to SES. This may be due to faster degeneration of the inner retina in the merkd mice.

Neuropreservation of retinal function and structure in RCS rats following implantation of a microphotodiode array (MPA) has been shown in previous studies(Pardue et al. 2005a; Pardue et al. 2005b). Since microphotodiodes produce electrical currents in proportion to the intensity of incident light, increased light exposure may result in greater neuroprotective effects. Our previous studies suggested that the frequency of light exposure to electroretinogram (ERG) flash stimuli might provide increased neuroprotection. Thus, in this study, we examined the dose response of subretinal electrical stimulation by exposing RCS rats implanted with MPAs to variable durations and combinations of two different lighting regimens: pulsing incandescent bulbs and xenon stimuli from an ERG Ganzfeld. While incandescent light regimens did not produce any significant differences in ERG function, we found significantly greater dark-adapted ERG b-wave amplitudes in RCS rats that received weekly versus biweekly ERGs over the course of 8 weeks of follow-up. These results suggest that subretinal electrical stimulation may be optimized to produce greater neuroprotective effects by dosing with periodic higher current.

While merkd mice and RCS rats share the same Mertk mutation and an upregulation of Fgf2 in response to subretinal electrical stimulation (SES), they have different neuroprotective responses to SES. This may be due to faster degeneration of the inner retina in the merkd mice.

Purpose Test the hypothesis that subretinal electrical stimulation from a microphotodiode array (MPA) exerts a neuroprotective effect in RCS rats through the induction of growth factors. Methods RCS rats were divided into four groups at P21 in which one eye per rat received treatment: (A) active MPA, (M) minimally-active MPA, (S) sham surgery, or (C) no surgery and the opposite eye was unoperated. Dark- and light-adapted ERGs were recorded one week after surgery. A second set of A-, M-, and C-treated RCS rats had weekly ERG recordings for 4 weeks. Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure relative expression of mRNAs (Bdnf, Fgf2, Fgf1, Cntf, Gdnf, and Igf1) in retina samples collected 2 days after the final ERG. Results One week after surgery, there was a slight difference in dark-adapted ERG b-wave at the brightest flash intensity. Mean retinal Fgf2 expression in the treated eye relative to the opposite eye was greatest for the A group (4.67 +/−0.72) compared to the M group (2.80 +/−0.45, p=0.0501), S group (2.03 +/−0.45, p<0.01), and C group (1.30 +/−0.22, p<0.001). No significant change was detected for Bdnf, Cntf, Fgf1, Gdnf, and Igf1. Four weeks after surgery, the A group had significantly larger dark- and light-adapted ERG b-waves compared to the M and C groups (p<0.01). Simultaneously, mean relative Fgf2 expression was again greatest for the A group (3.28 +/−0.61) compared to the M (1.28 +/− 0.32, p<0.05) and C groups (1.05 +/−0.04, p<0.05). Conclusion The results show subretinal implantation of an MPA induces selective expression of Fgf2 above that expected from a retina-piercing injury. Preservation of ERG b-wave amplitude 4 weeks after implantation is accompanied by elevated Fgf2 expression. These results suggest that Fgf2 may play a role in the neuroprotection provided by subretinal electrical stimulation.