Summary
This thesis characterizes retinal neuronal remodelling in a mouse model of autosomal dominant optic atrophy, finding progressive dendritic atrophy in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and reduced glutamatergic synaptic connectivity specifically in ON-centre RGCs. These findings are relevant to lighting design because ON-centre RGCs include intrinsically photosensitive cells (ipRGCs) critical for circadian photoentrainment, meaning optic atrophy patients may have compromised non-visual light responses.
Key Findings
- 50% reduction in Opa1 transcript and protein in the B6;C3-Opa1Q285STOP heterozygous mouse model
- Retinal ganglion cell dendritic atrophy was localized exclusively to sublamina b of the inner plexiform layer and was exacerbated with age
- Marked reduction in glutamatergic synaptic sites and PSD95 levels specifically on ON-centre retinal ganglion cells
- Significant increase in synaptic vesicle number and density in both ON and OFF bipolar cells
Categories
Eye Health & Vision: Investigates retinal ganglion cell degeneration and structural changes in the retina in a mouse model of optic atrophy, directly relevant to retinal health and vision loss.
The Science of Light: Examines retinal ganglion cell architecture and synaptic connectivity, including changes to ON-centre RGCs which are relevant to photoreceptor and ipRGC biology.
Author(s)
P Williams
Publication Year
2011
Related Publications
Eye Health & Vision
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Genetic reactivation of cone photoreceptors restores visual responses in retinitis pigmentosa
- Melanopsin and rod–cone photoreceptors play different roles in mediating pupillary light responses during exposure to continuous light in humans
- Characteristic patterns of dendritic remodeling in early-stage glaucoma: evidence from genetically identified retinal ganglion cell types
- Intrinsically photosensitive melanopsin retinal ganglion cell contributions to the pupillary light reflex and circadian rhythm
The Science of Light
- Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock
- Color appearance models
- The mammalian circadian timing system: organization and coordination of central and peripheral clocks
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Melanopsin is required for non-image-forming photic responses in blind mice