Changes in Retinal Neuronal Population in DBA/2J Mice with Topical Intraocular Pressure Lowering Drugs

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The DBA/2J (D2) mouse is a transgenic mouse with pigmentary glaucoma. In a previous study, we found a reduction of inner retinal thickness in D2 mice. We attempted to discover the effect of eye drops on the retina of D2 mice. METHODS: Ten-month-old D2 mouse eyes were treated with Timoptic XE(R), Cosopt(R), and Xalacom(R) eye drops for a 1-month period. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the mouse eye sections for analysis. RESULTS: In the control group, GABA and OPN immunoreactivity were markedly decreased and NOS immunoreactivity was increased. In all experimental group, GABA and OPN immunoreactivity were increased, and OPN immunoreactivity was markedly increased especially in the Cosopt(R) group. NOS immunoreactivity was decreased in all experimental groups. There was no difference in glycine immunoreactivity between the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Combination anti-glaucoma eye-drops to the D2 mouse changed the retinal neuronal population and these drugs might play an important role in the mechanisms of retinal neuronal death; potential strategies for neuroprotection should therefore be evaluated.