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At least 1,711 records · Page 95Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Distribution of myocilin, a glaucoma gene product, in human corneal fibroblasts.

PURPOSE: Myocilin is a gene linked to open-angle glaucomas. In this study, the expression and distribution of myocilin in corneal fibroblasts with or without dexamethasone (DEX) treatment were investigated. METHODS: Human corneal fibroblasts were treated with 100 nM DEX for 10-14 days. Immunofluorescence staining for myocilin was performed. Cell lysates and ultracentrifugation fractions were assessed by western blotting for distribution of myocilin and its possible association with various organelles. Staurosporine was used to induce apoptosis and apoptotic cells were detected using a monoclonal single stranded DNA antibody. RESULTS: By immunofluorescence, myocilin protein was found to distribute throughout the cytoplasm of corneal fibroblasts including perinuclear regions. Myocilin distribution overlapped to varying degrees with that of the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Subsequent examination by subcellular fractionation however revealed that myocilin, while co-sedimenting with the Golgi complex, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum, did not fractionate or associate with mitochondria. On western blots, protein bands at approximately 66, 57, and 55 kDa were detected and the intensity of the bands was not affected by DEX treatment in corneal fibroblasts. Apoptosis was induced by staurosporine to a similar extent in both DEX-treated and untreated corneal cultures. CONCLUSIONS: In corneal fibroblasts, myocilin expression is not enhanced by DEX treatment and the protein was not associated with mitochondria, in contrast to what were found in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Such differences suggest that the expression and distribution of myocilin may be distinctive for TM cells and may explain why pathology with myocilin mutations is only evident in glaucoma even though myocilin is expressed ubiquitously in ocular and nonocular tissues.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[The exfoliation or pseudo-exfoliation syndrome].

The exfoliation or pseudo-exfoliation syndrome (PE) is very rare in China. The clinical and histopathologic features in 13 patients were that the loss of pigment at the pupillary ruff and dense pigmentation on the trabecular meshwork were early signs easily overlooked, and the dandruff-like particles at the pupillary margin and greyish white ring at the anterior periphery of the lens were typical findings. Histopathologic study demonstrated that the PAS-positive amorphous material under light microscopy were fibrils in structure and accumulated at various sites in the anterior segment of the eye.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[Study on the gene mutation of TIGR in primary open angle glaucoma, their relatives and normal controls in Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To study trabecular meshwork induced glucocorticoid response protein (TIGR) gene mutation in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), their relatives and normal controls in Chongqing. METHODS: (1) The coding sequence of TIGR was screened for sequence alterations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). (2) Samples corresponding to bands of altered mobility were sequenced. (3) The sequence alterations were analyzed by bioinformatics. RESULTS: (1) In 15 POAG, TIGR gene mutation was found in 5 cases. In 10 POAG relatives, 2 TIGR gene mutations were found. No TIGR gene mutation was found in 20 normal persons in Chongqing. (2) The mutation sites Ser55Thr, Asp247Stop and in 49021 c-t alteration discovered in the present study have not been reported previously. The 63155 c-t alternation has been reported as a polymorphism site previously. (3) Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the mutations in structural domain could lead to the changes in the amino acid sequence coded, second structure of protein, isoelectric point and antigen binding site. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the TIGR gene mutations is closely related to the occurrence of JOAG in Chongqing. The relatives of POAG patients may have a higher incidence of TIGR gene mutation as compared with the controls. Furthermore, after analyzed by bioinformatics, we found that the alteration of structure and biological activity of TIGR protein resulted from gene mutation may be one of the important changes that leading to the occurrence of POAG.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Histopathologic features of trabeculectomy surgery.

PURPOSE: Trabeculectomy surgery is the most common operative procedure for the treatment of medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Variability exists in both the design and the position of the limbal wound as well as in outcomes, even in cases with similarly designed wounds. The purpose of this study is to describe the histologic features of the surgical site of human eyes received at a pathology laboratory that had undergone trabeculectomy surgery and then attempt to explore possible associations of these features with success or failure of surgery. METHODS: We examined 64 autopsy and enucleated eyes of 53 patients obtained at the Eye Pathology Laboratory, Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Md, between January 16, 1974, and November 15, 1999. Examined aspects included the position, dimensions, and depths of the trabeculectomy site; features at the internal opening; and the inclusion of trabecular meshwork in the internal resection. An attempt was also made to judge the success of the trabeculectomy by a comparison of preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures. RESULTS: Of all the histopathologic features examined, there was a statistical difference between the success and failure groups in only the presence of a cleft and the location of the posterior incision. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study is that there is a large degree of variability in the size, position, and pathologic features of trabeculectomy sites. Features that can be avoided with the initial surgical approach, particularly a posterior resection posterior to the scleral spur, may increase the chance of surgical failure.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Application of spectral optical coherent tomography (SOCT) in ophthalmology].

The article describes spectral optical coherent tomography (SOCT) constructed by Medical Physics Group, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics at Nicholas Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland). It presents the physical bases for the functioning of the constructed device and includes pictures of optical sections of various elements of the eyeball: an optic disc and the region of central fovea, a cornea and angle structures (trabecular meshwork). The article also discusses potential application of SOCT in ophthalmic diagnosis of anterior and posterior segments of the eye.

Eye Diseases↗
PubMed1992

Decreased photoreceptor count in human eyes with secondary angle-closure glaucoma.

Glaucoma has been known to be associated with a loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons throughout the fundus and a decreased count of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the parapapillary region. This study investigated whether glaucomatous changes of the deep retinal layer occur outside the parapapillary region. The nuclei of the retinal photoreceptors and RPE cells were counted in histologic slides of 23 eyes with painful secondary angle-closure glaucoma resulting from perforating corneal injuries. Fourteen eyes with malignant choroidal melanoma not involving the ciliary body or trabecular meshwork served as the control group. No surgical procedure, including laser treatment, had been performed posterior to the ora serrata. There were no hints of retinal vessel occlusion and localized traumatic retinopathy, historically, ophthalmoscopically, or histologically. Photoreceptor count was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in the glaucoma eyes than in the control group. Count of RPE cells did not differ between the two groups. This may indicate that glaucoma can be associated with a loss of photoreceptors. This could be important for psychophysical testing and may point to a more widespread involvement of ocular tissues in glaucoma than believed.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Analysis of the quantitative dermatoglyphic traits of the digito-palmar complex in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

Patient with primary open angle glaucoma (PAOG), which is known to have a genetic predisposition, and their immediate relatives unaffected with PAOG, may have some changes in dermatoglyphic traits of the digito-palmar complex, since the trabecular meshwork develops at the same time and with the same hereditary base like dermatoglyphs, which have high genetic transmission. The objective of this study is to determine whether differences in quantitative dermatoglyphic traits of the digito-palmar complex exist between patients with glaucoma and the phenotipically healthy population and whether their family members have the same dermatoglyphic changes. The quantitative dermatoglyphic traits in patients suffering from glaucoma, first-degree members of their family and the phenotypically healthy population have been screened in this study. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc (Tukey HSD) method have been used. The results have shown that there is a link between the quantitative dermatoglyphic traits of the digito-palmar complex in patients affected by glaucoma and a first-degree healthy member of their family, as well as the difference between patients with glaucoma and their first-degree relatives, which may discriminate them from the phenotypically healthy population. The results of the study mostly affirm the existence of genetic predisposition for the development of primary open-angle glaucoma, thus emphasizing the relevance of hereditary factors in the etiopathogenesis of this disease.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1991

Benzodiazepine receptors in the eye.

Central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors were localized in the rat, monkey, and human eye by in vitro autoradiography. Central benzodiazepine binding sites, visualized with 3H-R015-1788, were enriched in the inner plexiform layer in all three species. Binding sites also were present in the nerve fiber layer, the ganglion cell layer, and in portions of the inner nuclear layer. Peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites, visualized with 3H-PK-11195, were found in the corneal epithelium and endothelium, iris, ciliary epithelium, trabecular meshwork, and throughout the retina. Binding sites for 3H-PK-11195 also were present in the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris areas and retinal vascular structures.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Analysis of the qualitative dermatoglyphics of the digito-palmar complex in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

The primary open-angle glaucomas are a group of diseases that have in common characteristic morphological changes at the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer, progressive retinal ganglion cells death and characteristic visual field loss. The risk for primary open angle glaucoma rises continuously with the level of the intraocular pressure. The disease advances slowly and there are no symptoms. Primary open angle glaucoma is caused by abnormal aqueous humour outflow in the trabecular meshwork in the open angle. Etiopathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma is unclear. The increased risk of glaucoma in relatives has long been recognized. Frequency for manifestation of the disease is 10-30% in family members. The discovery of the specific gene loci responsible for the manifestation of glaucoma has helped us to understand its mechanism of origin and definitely confirmed the hereditary nature of this disease. Digito-palmar dermatoglyphs were already used to determine hereditary base of many diseases and it was the reason for investigation of their qualitative patterns in patients with glaucoma (22 males and 23 females), their immediate relatives (19 males and 23 females) in comparison to a group of phenotypically healthy population (52 males and 56 females). The results pointed a connection with the dermatoglyphic traits of the digito-palmar complex between patients with glaucoma and their immediate relatives. There is a possible discrimination of patients and their immediate relatives from phenotypically healthy population, too.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2006

[Comparative study of eukaryotic cell expression of wild-type and Pro370Leu mutation type myocilin gene].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the eukaryotic cell expression of wild-type myocilin (MYOC) (wMYOC) gene and Pro370Leu mutation type MYOC (mMYOC) gene so as to understand the mechanism of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: HeLa cells were cultured and then transfected with the vector pEGFP-N3-wMYOC, recombinant plasmid with wild type MYOC gene and enhanced green fluorescein gene, or the vector pDsRed2-N1-mMYOC, recombinant plasmid with mutation MYOC gene and red fluorescein gene, respectively, or co-transfected with these 2 plasmids. Corresponding blank vectors pEGFP-N3 and pDsRed2-N1 were used as markers. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the localization of red fluorescence and green fluorescence. Laser co-focusing microscopy was used to observe the effect of co-transfection. The green and red fluorescein antibodies were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Green fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasm of the HeLa cells transfected with the blank vector pEGFP-N3, in an even distribution; and red fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasm of the HeLa cells transfected with the blank vector pDsRed2-N1, in an even distribution too. The cells transfected with pEGFP-N3-wMYOC showed evenly-distributed green fluorescence in the cytoplasm, and the cells transfected with pDsRed2-N1-mMYOC showed red fluorescence in the cytoplasm in a state of aggregation. Both red and green fluorescence could be seen in the cells co-transfected with pEGFP-N3-wMYOC and pDsRed2-N1-mMYOC, both in a state of aggregation and co-localization. Laser co-focusing microscopy showed the same results. Protein with the relative molecular weight of 83,000, identical to that of the recombinant protein of wMYOC protein and green fluorescein, could be found in the culture fluid and cell lysate of the pEGFP-N3-wMYOC-transfected cells; however, could be found in the lysate only but not in the culture fluid of the co-transfected cells. Protein with the relative molecular weight of 81,000, identical to that of the recombinant protein of mMYOC protein and red fluorescein, could be found in the cell lysates of the pDsRed2-N1-mMYOC-transfected cells and the pEGFP-N3-wMYOC and pDsRed2-N1-mMYOC co-transfected cells, but not in the culture fluid of both cells. CONCLUSION: Both the WMYOC and mMYOC genes can be expressed and localized in the cytoplasm. mMYOC protein shoes a tendency of aggregation and disorder in secretion, and affects the expression and secretion of wMYOC, thus influencing the factions of the trabecular meshwork and causing POAG.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2006

Comparative integromics on Angiopoietin family members.

Angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1), Angiopoietin-4 (ANGPT4), VEGF, FGF2, FGF4, HGF, Ephrin, IL8 and CXCL12 (SFD1) are pro-angiogenic factors (angiogenic activators), while Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), Angiostatin, Endostatin, Tumstatin, Canstatin, THBS1, THBS2, TNFSF15 (VEGI) and Vasohibin (VASH1) are anti-angiogenic factors (angiogenic inhibitors). ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 are ligands for TIE family receptor tyrosine kinases, TIE1 and TIE2 (TEK). Angiopoietin family consists of ANGPT1, ANGPT2, ANGPT4, ANGPTL1 (ANGPT3), ANGPTL2, ANGPTL3 (ANGPT5), ANGPTL4, ANGPTL5, ANGPTL6 and ANGPTL7. TCF/LEF binding sites within the promoter region of human Angiopoietin family members were searched for by using bioinformatics and human intelligence (Humint). Because four TCF/LEF-binding sites were identified within the human ANGPTL7 promoter, comparative genomics analyses on ANGPTL7 orthologs were further performed. ANGPTL7 gene at human chromosome 1p36.22 was located within intron 28 of FRAP1 gene encoding mTOR protein. Chimpanzee ANGPTL7 gene, consisting of five exons, was located within NW_101546.1 genome sequence. Chimpanzee ANGPTL7 showed 99.4% and 86.1% total-amino-acid identity with human ANGPTL7 and mouse Angptl7, respectively. Human ANGPTL7 mRNA was expressed in neural tissues, keratoconus cornea, trabecular meshwork, melanotic melanoma and uterus endometrial cancer, while mouse Angptl7 mRNA was expressed in four-cell embryo, synovial fibroblasts, thymus, uterus and testis. Four TCF/LEF-binding sites within human ANGPTL7 promoter were conserved in chimpanzee ANGPTL7 promoter; however, only an unrelated TCF/LEF-binding site occurred in mouse and rat Angptl7 promoters. Human ANGPTL7, characterized as potent target gene of WNT/ beta-catenin signaling pathway, is a pharmacogenomics target in the fields of oncology and regenerative medicine.

Angiopoietins↗
PubMed2006

[The concentration of HO-2 and CO in rat penile tissue of different ages].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of heme oxygenase-2 and concentration of carbon monoxide in rat penile tissue of 8, 16 and 24 months and investigate the relationship between the system of HO-2/CO and aging. METHODS: Using SABC immunohistochemistry staining, image analysis system and the method of carboxyhemoglobin standard curve, the distribution of heme oxygenase-2 and concentration of carbon monoxide in different month rat penile tissues were investigated. RESULTS: The penile arteries were surrounded by HO-2 positive cells, which were also seen in the trabecular meshwork of smooth muscle. Compared with other part of penile, the penile arteries adventitia and the endothelial cells of cavernous exhibited darker staining. With the increasing of rat's living month the staining of penile tissues turned faint and the concentration of carbon monoxide in tissue decreased( P < 0.05 ). The imaging analysis system showed that the older the rat was the less HO-2 positive compositions contained (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With aging the decreasing concentration of HO-2 leads to the downfgt-regulation in rat penile tissue.

Aging↗
PubMed2006

Polymorphism of beta-adrenergic receptors and susceptibility to open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The human trabecular meshwork and ciliary body, which express beta-adrenergic receptors (ADRB1 and ADRB2), control aqueous humor dynamics. We investigated associations of ADRB polymorphisms with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), because ADRB gene polymorphisms alter receptor function. METHODS: We studied 240 Japanese controls and 505 Japanese OAG patients including 211 with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and 294 with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Associations of four polymorphisms (Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly in the ADRB1 gene; Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu in the ADRB2 gene) were compared between patients and controls. Age, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual field defects at diagnosis were examined for associations with polymorphisms. RESULTS: The Arg389Gly polymorphism in the ADRB1 gene showed significantly different allele and genotype frequencies in patients with NTG than in controls (p = 0.004 and 0.006, respectively). Other polymorphisms did not show a significant frequency difference. In POAG patients, carriers of Gly16 in the ADRB2 gene were significantly younger at diagnosis than noncarriers (p<0.001). The IOP at diagnosis was significantly higher in OAG patients carrying 27Glu in the ADRB2 gene than in patients without this allele (p<0.001). Clinical characteristics of OAG patients did not differ significantly in relation to other polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Certain polymorphisms of the ADRB1 and ADRB2 genes influence the pathophysiology of OAG in Japanese patients.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction as a cause of thrombo-embolic stroke: a case report and review.

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction is the result of incomplete myocardial morphogenesis, leading to persistence of the embryonic myocardium. The condition is recognised by an excessively prominent trabecular meshwork and deep intertrabecular recesses of the left ventricle. These intertrabecular recesses are prone to thrombus formation, with resultant embolic sequelae. We describe a case of cerebral thrombo-embolism in a young woman due to isolated left ventricular non-compaction.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Argon laser trabeculoplasty or selective laser trabeculoplasty in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma].

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) are effective treatment modalities for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in open angle glaucoma patients. SLT and ALT produce equivalent IOP reduction. The choice of either option will depend on the state of glaucoma, previous and current treatment, side effects and patient's reference. Preservation of the angle trabecular meshwork structures and effective retreatment for IOP lowering after ALT has failed, offer some theoretical advantage of SLT.

Glaucoma, Open-Angle↗
PubMed1990

Expression of two molecular forms of the complement decay-accelerating factor in the eye and lacrimal gland.

Complement is present in ocular fluids, but the molecular mechanism(s) restricting its activation to exogenous targets and not to autologous ocular cells are currently unknown. To clarify how this control is achieved, monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based techniques were used to examine the eye, the lacrimal gland, and ocular fluids for the decay-accelerating factor (DAF), a membrane regulatory protein which protects blood cells from autologous complement activation on their surfaces. Immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections revealed DAF antigen on corneal and conjunctival epithelia, corneal endothelium, trabecular meshwork, and retina, as well as on lacrimal gland acinar cells and in adjacent lumens. By flow cytometry, cultures of conjunctival epithelium exhibited the highest DAF levels and levels on corneal epithelium greater than corneal endothelium greater than conjunctival fibroblasts. Biosynthetic labeling of corneal endothelium yielded de novo DAF protein with an apparent molecular weight (Mr) of 75 kD, approximating that of blood cell DAF protein, and digestions of conjunctival epithelium with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), an enzyme which cleaves glycoinositolphospholipid membrane anchors, released approximately 70% of the ocular surface DAF protein similar to leukocyte surface DAF protein. Quantitations of DAF by radioimmunometric assay employing mAbs against two DAF epitopes revealed 325 ng/ml (n = 12), 4.8 ng/ml (n = 10), and 22.0 ng/ml (n = 8) of soluble DAF antigen in tears, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor, respectively. Western blot analyses of the tear DAF antigen revealed two DAF forms, one with an apparent Mr of 72 kD resembling membrane DAF forms in other sites, and a second with an apparent Mr of 100 kD, which is previously undescribed. Since DAF activity is essential physiologically in protecting blood cells from autologous complement attack, the identification of DAF on the ocular surface, intraocularly, in the lacrimal gland, and in tears suggests that DAF-mediated control of complement activation is also required in these locations.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2006

Serotonin receptor subtype mRNA expression in human ocular tissues, determined by RT-PCR.

PURPOSE: To determine the relative density and tissue localization of mRNAs for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) receptor subtypes in human ocular tissues and correlate with their possible functions in the eye. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from human ocular tissues samples from multiple donors and transcribed into cDNA. An optimized reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure was then used to amplify the signals using primers designed against human 5HT receptor cDNAs. The PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and confirmed by endonuclease digestion. RESULTS: Variable amounts of total RNA were extracted from different tissues with the least amount from ciliary epithelium and most amount from retina. 5HT2 receptor subtype mRNAs were the most abundant with 5HT2A and 5HT2B being the most predominant in the retina, ciliary body, ciliary epithelium, choroid, conjunctiva, and iris. Ciliary body, choroid, and conjunctiva were most enriched in 5HT3 receptor mRNA, with relatively lower levels in the iris. 5HT4 receptor mRNA was most enriched in the retina, ciliary body, choroid, conjunctiva, and somewhat detectable in the iris. 5HT5 receptor mRNA was abundant in the retina, ciliary body, and iris. 5HT6 receptor mRNA was the least abundant of all subtypes studied and could only be detected in the iris. 5HT7 receptor mRNA was enriched in the ciliary body, choroid, conjunctiva, and iris, with much lower levels in the retina and ciliary epithelium. Optic nerve tissue of 1-2 donors exhibited the presence of 5HT2B, 5HT5, and 5HT7 receptor mRNAs. Data for human trabecular meshwork cells indicated a high density of mRNAs for 5HT2A and 5HT2B, with much lower levels of 5HT2C, 5HT5, and 5HT7 receptor mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Human ocular tissues differentially expressed mRNAs for the various 5HT receptor subtypes. These studies suggest a diverse range of possible physiological and pharmacological functions of 5HT receptors in these human ocular tissues.

Eye↗
PubMed2006

Decrease of cone opsin mRNA in experimental ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that photoreceptors are adversely affected in glaucoma. As a measure of this effect, we examined the levels of rod opsin, and red/green and blue cone opsin mRNAs in monkeys with experimental ocular hypertension and glaucoma and in human eyes from donors with diagnosed glaucoma. METHODS: Experimental ocular hypertension was induced in one eye of 19 cynomolgous and 2 rhesus monkeys by laser ablation of the trabecular meshwork. In 15 monkeys, the elevated IOP was reduced by trabeculectomy. When the animals had experienced prolonged elevations of IOP (128 to 260 days), they were killed and the eyes enucleated. Fresh retinal tissue from the macula, inferotemporal retina (mid-peripheral), and far peripheral regions were harvested from some animals using a 3 mm trephine. The remaining retinas from these monkeys, and whole retinas from other animals were fixed. RNA isolated from each trephined sample was used for RNase Protection Analysis or real time PCR analysis to quantify opsin mRNA levels from different photoreceptor cell types. Fixed tissue was used for in situ hybridization studies. Human donor eyes (7 glaucoma and 4 control) were obtained from eye banks. All human specimens were used for in situ hybridization studies. RESULTS: Quantitative mRNA analysis and in situ hybridization studies both showed a reduction in the expression of red/green and blue cone opsin mRNAs in 6 monkey eyes with chronic ocular hypertension, relative to the contralateral eye. No loss of rod opsin mRNA was observed. The principal reduction occurred in cells of the mid-peripheral retina, a region of retina that often shows early and progressive damage in humans with glaucoma. In monkeys with ocular hypertension followed by trabeculectomy, there was a similar decrease in cone opsin mRNAs, but only in six out of fifteen (40%) of the monkeys. The decrease in these animals was correlated with a significantly elevated IOP at some time during the 2 weeks prior to euthanization and not with the extent of glaucomatous damage. Of the 7 human eyes with diagnosed glaucoma that were examined, 5 showed a decrease of cone opsin mRNA in the mid-peripheral retina, whereas none of the 4 normal eyes examined showed a decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular hypertension leading to glaucoma also affects the outer retina, particularly the cone photoreceptors. We speculate that these cells become stressed leading to a disruption in the expression of normal genes, such as that encoding opsin. There is some evidence that this effect is reversible, when IOP levels are reduced.

Aged↗