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Microglial analysis in whole‐mount retina of Alzheimer's disease 3xTg‐AD mouse model
Author(s) -
Ramírez Ana I.,
SalobrarGarcía Elena,
RodriguesNeves Ana C.,
Hoz Rosa,
Salazar Juan J.,
FernándezAlbarral José A.,
LópezCuenca Inés,
Rojas Pilar,
Ambrósio Antonio F.,
Ramírez José M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.5270
Subject(s) - microglia , retina , neurodegeneration , gliosis , genetically modified mouse , soma , biology , neuroscience , transgene , neuroglia , pathology , central nervous system , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , medicine , inflammation , immunology , disease , biochemistry , gene
Purpose Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a primary degenerative disease that is characterized by the accumulation of β‐amyloid and tau in central nervous system, even in visual brain areas and in the retina. This raises the possibility that tracking changes in the retina can be used to assess neurodegeneration in AD. Methods We analysed the retinas of 16‐month‐old 3xTg‐AD transgenic mice, which are used as an animal model of AD, and wild‐type (C57BL6/129S). Whole mount retinas were stained with antibodies against Iba‐1 and OX‐6. The morphology, number and soma size of microglia in the retina were analysed. Results Retinas from 3xTg‐AD transgenic mice showed signs of microglial activation relative to retinas from wild‐type animals: greater number of microglia, thickening of microglial soma, retraction of microglial processes and migration of microglia within and between layers. This activation was associated with alterations in the microglial plexus in the external plexiform layer and in the complex of internal layers. Retinas from 3xTg‐AD mice showed circular groups of microglia that reoriented and polarized their processes differently than in control retinas. Moreover, it was found a significant increase in both the number and cell body area of Iba‐1+ cells in 3xTg‐AD retinas in comparison with wild‐type retinas. Conclusions Retinas from a mouse model of AD show signs of microglial activation. Reactive gliosis caused by AD‐associated protein aggregation may trigger morphological changes in the retinas of AD patients. Acknowledgments Santa Casa Mantero Belard Award 2015 (MB‐1049‐2015), Foundation for Science and Technology (PEst UID/NEU/04539/2013), COMPETE‐FEDER (POCI‐01‐0145‐FEDER‐007440), and Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme (CENTRO‐01‐0145‐FEDER‐8: BrainHealth 2020).