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The acute retinal necrosis syndrome. Possible herpes simplex retinitis.

The acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome is a severe necrotic peripheral retinitis with vasculitis and vitritis. It attacks healthy people and carries a poor visual prognosis. Five patients with ARN were seen. Two showed interesting clinical features. One patient developed the ARN syndrome in both eyes but with a 14-year hiatus separating the two episodes, each being preceded by an infectious illness. A second patient had a possible recurrence of the ARN syndrome in the same eye, one year after the original episode. Each episode was preceded by an upper respiratory infection and ipsilateral vesicular skin lesions on the face. Biopsy of one lesion yielded herpes simplex virus (HSV) in culture. These associations, although not definitive, do lend support to the hypothesis that HSV may be the cause of the ARN syndrome.

Acute Disease↗

Retinal histopathology of a carrier of X-chromosome-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

Autopsy eyes were examined from a 79-year-old female carrier of X-chromosome-linked retinitis pigmentosa. At age 78 years, she had no visual symptoms but had intraretinal bone spicule pigmentation in the nasal and inferior periphery of both eyes. Rods, cones, and pigment epithelium in the central retina appeared normal. In the midperiphery, patches with advanced photoreceptor cell degeneration were observed overlying pigment epithelium containing melanolysosomes. Within these patches, rods and cones were reduced in number or absent, and pigment epithelial cells abutted the external limiting membrane. A precipitous decline in rod nuclei was observed in transitional zones between areas of apparently normal photoreceptors and areas of absent photoreceptors. In the far periphery, large areas lacked photoreceptors and pigment epithelium. Histopathologic findings in this elderly carrier are compared with those previously described in a 24-year-old man with X-chromosome-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

Aged↗

Retinitis pigmentosa with segmental massive retinal gliosis. An immunohistochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural study.

A morphologic, immunohistologic, and biochemical study was made on the eyes of a 79-year-old woman with clinically documented retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The methods included light and electron microscopy, immunohistologic staining, and biochemical analysis of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and cyclic nucleotides. Results from a histopathologic examination showed marked equatorial pigmentary retinal degeneration as well as peripheral chorioretinal atrophy corresponding to areas of paving stone chorioretinal changes. An unusual finding was a localized equatorial nodule in the right eye that stained with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies, and showed lipid infiltrates in its margin and base. The equatorial retina showed marked gliosis of the outer layers. Photoreceptor cells were present only in the posterior retina, macula, and focally, in the far periphery. These areas corresponded to detectable IRBP assessed by immunohistochemical staining and biochemical analysis using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cyclic nucleotides were reduced in the peripheral retina, in areas of photoreceptor cell loss.

Aged↗

Retinal pigment epithelium melanin granules are phagocytozed by Müller glial cells in experimental retinal detachment.

The ability of retinal Müller glial cells to perform phagocytosis in vivo is studied in a rabbit model of experimental retinal detachment where pigment epithelial cells are occasionally detached together with the neural retina. While macrophages and/or microglial cells phagocytoze most of the cellular debris at the sclerad surface of the detached retinae, some Müller cells accumulate melanin granules. The granules are virtually intact at the ultrastructural level, and are surrounded by a membrane. They are often located close to the sclerad end of the cells, but some are distributed throughout the outer stem process up to the soma. It is concluded that rabbit Müller cells in vivo are capable of phagocytosis and of transporting the phagocytozed material within their cytoplasm.

Animals↗

Refinement of the RP17 locus for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, construction of a YAC contig and investigation of the candidate gene retinal fascin.

The RP17 locus for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa has previously been mapped to chromosome 17q by linkage analysis. Two unrelated South African families are linked to this locus and the identification of key recombination events assigned the RP17 locus to a 10 cM interval on 17q22. The work reported here refines the mapping of the locus from a 10 cM to a 1 cM interval between the microsatellite markers D17S1604 and D17S948. A physical map of this interval was constructed using information from the Whitehead/MIT YAC contig WC 17.8. Sequence-tagged site (STS) content mapping of seven overlapping YACs from this contig was employed in order to build the map. A BAC library was screened to cover a gap in the YAC contig and two positive BACs were identified. Intragenic polymorphisms in the retinal fascin gene provided evidence for the exclusion of this candidate as the RP17 disease gene.

Carrier Proteins↗

Intraocular gene delivery of ciliary neurotrophic factor results in significant loss of retinal function in normal mice and in the Prph2Rd2/Rd2 model of retinal degeneration.

Intraocular delivery of a variety of neurotrophic factors has been widely investigated as a potential treatment for retinal dystrophy (RD). The most commonly studied factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), has been shown to preserve retinal morphology and to promote cell survival in a variety of models of RD. In order to evaluate CNTF as a potential treatment for RD, we used the Prph2(Rd2/Rd2) mouse. CNTF was expressed intraocularly using AAV-mediated gene delivery either by itself or, in a second treatment group, combined with AAV-mediated gene replacement therapy of peripherin2, which we have previously shown to improve photoreceptor structure and function. We confirmed in both groups of animals that CNTF reduces the loss of photoreceptor cells. Visual function, however, as assessed over a time course by electroretinography (ERG), was significantly reduced compared with untreated controls. Furthermore, CNTF gene expression negated the effects on function of gene replacement therapy. In order to test whether this deleterious effect is only seen when degenerating retina is treated, we recorded ERGs from wild-type mice following intraocular injection of AAV expressing CNTF. Here a marked deleterious effect was noted, in which the b-wave amplitude was reduced by at least 50%. Our results demonstrate that intraocular CNTF gene delivery may have a deleterious effect on the retina and caution against its application in clinical trials.

Animals↗

[Measuring retinal circulation with the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter: reproducibility of data and no effect of metipranolol in normal probands].

PURPOSE: We wanted to know whether topical Metipranolol has any effect on ocular blood flow. Before starting this investigation using the Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, we studied the reproducibility of this device. METHOD: Retinal blood flow was determined in 15 healthy volunteers. Altogether, each volunteer was measured 20 times (4 different days with 5 pictures each). Coefficients of variation were calculated for both, the short term fluctuation and the long term fluctuation. After that, the effect of metipranolol was tested in 14 of the 15 volunteers mentioned above. This was done in a randomized, placebo controlled, double masked and crossover designed study. RESULTS: The mean coefficients of variation were 21% for the short term fluctuation and 13% for the long term fluctuation. There was a significant effect of learning, i.e. coefficients of variation decreased with increasing experience of the investigator (MVR). Blood flow values did not differ significantly between metipranolol and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The reproducibility of blood flow values measured with the Heidelberg Retina flowmeter are sufficient, at least if the device is used in clinical studies. When performing those studies, the learning curve of the investigator should be taken into account. 2. The topical application of metipranolol does not alter the retinal blood flow in healthy volunteers.

Adult↗

Modifications of retinal neurons in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Animal models of retinitis pigmentosa include the rd mouse, in which a mutation of a rod-specific phosphodiesterase leads to the rapid loss of photoreceptors during the early postnatal life. Very little is known about changes occurring in inner retinal neurons after photoreceptor loss. These changes are important in view of the possibility of restoring vision in retinas with photoreceptor degeneration by means of cell transplantation or direct stimulation of inner layers. In this paper, we show that bipolar and horizontal cells of the rd mouse retina undergo dramatic morphological modifications accompanying photoreceptor loss, demonstrating a dependence of second order neurons on these cells. While describing modifications of the rd retina, we also provide quantitative information about neurons of the wild-type mouse retina, useful for future studies on genetically altered animals.

Animals↗

Stem cell therapy for retinal degeneration: retinal neurons from heterologous sources.

Over the past few years a great deal of interest has been generated in using stem cells/progenitors to treat degenerative diseases that afflict different tissues, including retina. This interest is due to the defining properties of stem cells/progenitors, the ability of these cells to self-renew and generate all the basic cell types of the particular tissue to which they belong. In addition, the recent reports of plasticity of the adult tissue-specific stem cells/progenitors and directed differentiation of the embryonic cells (ES) has fueled the hope for cell and gene therapy using stem cells from heterologous sources. Will this approach work for treating retinal degeneration? Here, we review the current state of knowledge about obtaining retinal cells from heterologous sources, including ES cells.

Animals↗

Retinitis pigmentosa associated with hearing loss, thyroid disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata: retinitis pigmentosa and vitiligo.

A 54-year-old woman with retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss developed white skin patches that were subsequently diagnosed as vitiligo. A review of the literature reveals that, although the association of vitiligo with various tapedoretinal degenerations has been reported on several occasions, the association with typical retinitis pigmentosa is quite rare. This combination of disorders associated with pigment loss is of interest as immunologic disturbances have been implicated on both.

Alopecia Areata↗

Carrier detection in X-pigmentary retinal dystrophy (X-linked retinitis pigmentosa) by DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism studies.

As part of a patient care and DNA research programme commenced in 1985, a number of DNA markers on the short arm of the X chromosome have been used to demonstrate restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) segregating with the X-pigmentary retinal dystrophy (X-linked retinitis pigmentosa) gene. The analysis of the segregation of the RFLPs in 3 kindreds enables carrier detection, to a high degree of probability, in females at risk who are not manifesting symptoms and signs.

Adult↗

Comparison of cytomegalovirus loads in plasma and leukocytes of patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis. The Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Viral Resistance Study Group.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA loads in paired leukocyte and plasma samples from 199 patient visits by 66 patients with CMV retinitis were determined. Leukocyte CMV load determinations had a greater range of values (mean, 24,587 copies/10(6) leukocytes; maximum, 539, 000) than did plasma CMV load determinations (mean, 10,302 copies/ml; maximum, 386,000), and leukocyte viral loads were detectable in a greater proportion of patients at the time of diagnosis of CMV retinitis prior to initiation of anti-CMV therapy (82%) than were plasma viral loads (64%) (P = 0.0078). Agreement with CMV blood cultures was slightly better for plasma (kappa = 0. 68) than for leukocytes (kappa = 0.53), due to a greater proportion of patients with detectable viral loads in leukocytes having negative blood cultures.

Cytomegalovirus↗

Nasal administration of retinal antigens suppresses the inflammatory response in experimental allergic uveoretinitis. A preliminary report of intranasal induction of tolerance with retinal antigens.

Current immunotherapy of posterior uveitis is non-specific and limited by drug toxicity and unpredictable relapses on therapy. Alternative modes of therapy being investigated using the rat model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) have included the induction of tolerance with oral administration of milligram quantities of retinal antigens. In this preliminary report we demonstrate that tolerance to retinal antigens can be induced via the upper respiratory tract with microgram doses of antigen, preventing subsequent induction of EAU.

Animals↗

Development and role of retinal glia in regeneration of ganglion cells following retinal injury.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Recent observations have shown that the glial scar resulting from a surgical lesion of the immature retina differs from elsewhere in the central nervous system, in that it permits the through growth and reconnection of regenerating axons. This study in the opossum examines in detail the development and reaction to injury of retinal glia at different developmental stages, and specifically examines the distribution of the gliosis related inhibitory molecule, chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG), making comparisons with a control site of gliosis in the cerebral cortex. METHODS: A linear slit was cut into the retina or cortex with a fine tungsten probe. After a variable time delay, immunocytochemistry of the resulting gliosis was employed to detect astrocytes with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Müller cells with vimentin, and CSPG with CS-56 antibodies. GFAP was also used at different ages to examine the normal development of astrocytes in the retina of this species. RESULTS: Astrocytes entered the retina 12 days after birth (P12), closely associated with blood vessels in the nerve fibre layer. In experiments at all ages studied, cellular continuity was re-established across the lesioned retina, which did not result in a significant astrocyte proliferation or CSPG expression. In contrast, cortical injury led to the development of a cystic cavity surrounded by astrocytes and CSPG. Müller cells expressed GFAP but not CSPG in the lesioned retina. CONCLUSION: Successful regrowth of ganglion cells through a retinal lesion may be partly the result of the scarcity of astrocytes in the retina, which results in minimal gliosis, or of their apparent inability to express inhibitory molecules.

Animals↗

Effect of alcohol and light on the retinal pigment epithelium of normal subjects and patients with retinal dystrophies.

BACKGROUND: Light absorbed by photoreceptors causes oscillations in the voltage across the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This is the basis of the clinical test, electro-oculography (EOG). We have previously shown that alcohol causes a sequence of voltage changes which are so precisely the same as those caused by light that they must be produced by the same RPE machinery. There is good evidence that alcohol produces its effect by a direct action on the RPE. Consequently, in diseases associated with loss of photoreceptors, alcohol should continue to produce the voltage changes of the EOG unless secondary changes have occurred in the RPE. METHODS: The alcohol response in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was investigated using EOG. RESULTS: In no patient with RP was there any alcohol rise. CONCLUSION: In patients with RP secondary abnormalities of function of the RPE must occur.

Adult↗

Recovery from macular photostress and slow retinal potentials in cured retinal detachment.

After successful surgery for retinal detachment, a series of functional tests was performed, which primarily concerned the contact between photoreceptors and pigment epithelium. Even several months after reattachment the EOG still remained lower than in the fellow eye, when the macula was involved. If maximal visual acuity was reached with a formerly detached retinal area, the photostress recovery time was found to be delayed. The dc-coupled ERG showed distinct impairment of the c-wave in the eye with the reattached retina.

Electrooculography↗