Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel

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Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel

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Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel

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Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica

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Open Access
A novel in vivo model of focal light emitting diode-induced cone-photoreceptor phototoxicity: neuroprotection afforded by brimonidine, BDNF, PEDF or bFGF
(Public Library of Science , 2014-12-02) Ortín Martínez, Arturo; Valiente Soriano, Francisco Javier; García Ayuso, Diego; Jiménez López, Manuel; Bernal Garro, José Manuel; Nieto López, Leticia; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Villegas Pérez, Maria Paz; Wheeler, Larry A.; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Alarcón Martínez, Luis; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
We have investigated the effects of light-emitting diode (LED)-induced phototoxicity (LIP) on cone-photoreceptors and their protection with brimonidine (BMD), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In anesthetized, dark adapted, adult albino rats a blue (400 nm) LED was placed perpendicular to the cornea (10 sec, 200 lux) and the effects were investigated using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and/or analysing the retina in oriented cross-sections or wholemounts immune-labelled for L- and S-opsin and counterstained with the nuclear stain DAPI. The effects of topical BMD (1%) or, intravitreally injected BDNF (5 µg), PEDF (2 µg), CNTF (0.4 µg) or bFGF (1 µg) after LIP were examined on wholemounts at 7 days. SD-OCT showed damage in a circular region of the superotemporal retina, whose diameter varied from 1,842.4±84.5 µm (at 24 hours) to 1,407.7±52.8 µm (at 7 days). This region had a progressive thickness diminution from 183.4±5 µm (at 12 h) to 114.6±6 µm (at 7 d). Oriented cross-sections showed within the light-damaged region of the retina massive loss of rods and cone-photoreceptors. Wholemounts documented a circular region containing lower numbers of L- and S-cones. Within a circular area (1 mm or 1.3 mm radius, respectively) in the left and in its corresponding region of the contralateral-fellow-retina, total L- or S-cones were 7,118±842 or 661±125 for the LED exposed retinas (n = 7) and 14,040±1,860 or 2,255±193 for the fellow retinas (n = 7), respectively. BMD, BDNF, PEDF and bFGF but not CNTF showed significant neuroprotective effects on L- or S-cones. We conclude that LIP results in rod and cone-photoreceptor loss, and is a reliable, quantifiable model to study cone-photoreceptor degeneration. Intravitreal BDNF, PEDF or bFGF, or topical BMD afford significant cone neuroprotection in this model.
Open Access
Annexin-V binds subpopulation of immune cells altering its interpretation as an in vivo biomarker for apoptosis in the retina
(Ivyspring International Publisher., 2024-11-11) Miyagishima, Kiyoharu J.; Ma, Wenxin; Li, Wei ; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
In cells undergoing apoptosis phosphatidylserine, a major component of the plasma membrane, translocates to the outer leaflet where it provides eat-me signals for phagocytic recognition and is bound by annexin-V, an apoptotic marker. The need to track retinal ganglion cell death (RGC) in response to glaucomatous damage or optic neuropathy has led to the development of DARC (detection of apoptosing retinal cells) imaging, providing non-invasive, in vivo assessment of RGC death. Although the eye is an immune privileged site, resident and infiltrating immune cells are known to respond quickly to trauma or infection. Some immune cells have binding sites for annexin homologs; thus, their presence may confound estimates of apoptosis measured by annexin-V labeling. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the accuracy of annexin-V apoptotic labeling in the posterior eye and to temporally characterize contributions of non-apoptotic labeling in response to optic nerve (ON) injury. Here, we found annexin-V labeling consists of two phases. Initially, there is a rapid phase matching the time course of apoptotic cell death indicated by cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining observed ex vivo. This is followed by a sustained plateau phase that persists long after the peak of degeneration. We demonstrate that annexin-V binds to a specific subpopulation of myeloid cells in the retina, which were identified using simultaneous confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Optical coherence tomography and confocal imaging reveal these cells occupy the posterior hyaloid space above the retinal nerve fiber layer and at various retinal depths. Our results highlight the cellular morphological heterogeneity of non-apoptotic annexin-V labeling of retinal microglia. Accordingly, pharmacological depletion of microglia abolishes annexin-V labeling of elongated microglia in vivo revealing fainter labeling of round RGCs. Thus, consideration should be given to the time course of the immune response when interpreting fluorescently labeled annexin-V to visualize retinal cell apoptosis for clinical diagnosis.
Open Access
Nerve fibre layer degeneration and retinal ganglion cell loss long term after optic nerve crush or transection in adult mice
(Elsevier, 2018-02-13) Sánchez-Migallón Carreras, María del Cielo; Valiente Soriano, Francisco Javier; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Jiménez-López, M.; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultad de Medicina
We have investigated the long term effects of two different models of unilateral optic nerve (ON) lesion on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, in the injured and contralateral retinas of adult albino mice. Intact animals were used as controls. The left ON was intraorbitally crushed or transected at 0.5 mm from the optic disk and both retinas were analyzed at 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 45 or 90 days after injury. RGCs were immunoidentified with anti-Brn3a, and their axons with anti-highly phosphorylated axonal neurofilament subunit H (pNFH). After both lesions, RGC death in the injured retinas is first significant at day 3, and progresses quickly up to 7 days slowing down till 90 days. In the same retinas, the anatomical loss of RGC axons is not evident until day 30. However, by two days after both lesions there are changes in the expression pattern of pNFH: axonal beads, axonal club- or bulb-like formations, and pNFH+RGC somas. The number of pNFH+RGC somata peak at day 5 after either lesion and is significantly higher than in intact retinas at all time points. pNFH+RGC somata are distributed across the retina, in accordance with the pattern of RGC death which is diffuse and homogenous. In the contralateral retinas there is no RGC loss, but there are few pNFH+RGCs from day 2 to day 90. In conclusion, in albino mice, axotomy-induced RGC death precedes the loss of their intraretinal axons and occurs in two phases, a rapid and a slower, but steady, one. Injured retinas show similar changes in the pattern of pNFH expression and a comparable course of RGC loss
Open Access
Ketorolac Administration Attenuates Retinal Ganglion Cell Death After Axonal Injury
(Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology., 2016-03) Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Rodríguez-Villagra, Esther; Bravo-Osuna, Irene; Sobrado-Calvo, Paloma; Molina-Martínez, Irene; Villegas Pérez, Maria Paz; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Herrero-Vanrell, Rocío; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultad de Medicina
Purpose: To assess the neuroprotective effects of ketorolac administration, in solution or delivered from biodegradable microspheres, on the survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Methods: Retinas were treated intravitreally with a single injection of tromethamine ketorolac solution and/or with ketorolac-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres. Ketorolac treatments were administered either 1 week before optic nerve crush (pre-ONC) or right after the ONC (simultaneous). In all cases, animals were euthanized 7 days after the ONC. As control, nonloaded microspheres or vehicle (balanced salt solution, BSS) were administered in parallel groups. All retinas were dissected as flat mounts; RGCs were immunodetected with brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A (Brn3a), and their number was automatically quantified. Results: The percentage of Brn3a+RGCs was 36% to 41% in all control groups (ONC with or without BSS or nonloaded microparticles). Ketorolac solution administered pre-ONC resulted in 63% survival of RGCs, while simultaneous administration promoted a 53% survival. Ketorolac-loaded microspheres were not as efficient as ketorolac solution (43% and 42% of RGC survival pre-ONC or simultaneous, respectively). The combination of ketorolac solution and ketorolac-loaded microspheres did not have an additive effect (54% and 55% survival pre-ONC and simultaneous delivery, respectively). Conclusions: Treatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac delays RGC death triggered by a traumatic axonal insult. Pretreatment seems to elicit a better output than simultaneous administration of ketorolac solution. This may be taken into account when performing procedures resulting in RGC axonal injury.
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Axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death in adult mice: quantitative and topographic time course analyses
(Elsevier, 2011-02-24) Galindo Romero, Caridad; Avilés Trigueros, Marcelino; Jiménez López, Manuel; Valiente Soriano, Francisco Javier; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Villegas Pérez, Maria Paz; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Anatomía Humana y Psicobiología; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
The fate of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury has been thoroughly described in rat, but not in mice, despite the fact that this species is amply used as a model to study different experimental paradigms that affect retinal ganglion cell population. Here we have analyzed, quantitatively and topographically, the course of mice retinal ganglion cells loss induced by intraorbital nerve transection. To do this, we have doubly identified retinal ganglion cells in all retinas by tracing them from their main retinorecipient area, the superior colliculi, and by their expression of BRN3A (product of Pou4f1 gene). In rat, this transcription factor is expressed by a majority of retinal ganglion cells; however in mice it is not known how many out of the whole population of these neurons express it. Thus, in this work we have assessed, as well, the total population of BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells. These were automatically quantified in all whole-mounted retinas using a newly developed routine. In control retinas, tracedretinal ganglion cells were automatically quantified, using the previously reported method (SalinasNavarro et al., 2009b). After optic nerve injury, though, traced-retinal ganglion cells had to be manually quantified by retinal sampling and their total population was afterwards inferred. In naïve whole-mounts, the mean ( standard deviation) total number of traced-retinal ganglion cells was 40,437 ( 3196) andofBRN3Apositive ones was 34,697( 1821). Retinal ganglion cell loss was first significant for both markers 5 days post-axotomy and by day 21, the last time point analyzed, only 15% or 12% of traced or BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells respectively, survived. Isodensity maps showed that, in control retinas, BRN3A and traced-retinal ganglion cells were distributed similarly, being densest in the dorsal retina along the naso-temporal axis. After axotomy the progressive loss of BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells was diffuse and affected the entire retina. In conclusion, this is the first study assessing the values, in terms of total number and density, of the retinal ganglion cells surviving axotomy from 2 till 21 days post-lesion. Besides, we have demonstrated that BRN3A is expressed by 85.6% of the total retinal ganglion cell population, and because BRN3A positive retinal ganglion cells show the same spatial distribution and temporal course of degeneration than traced ones, BRN3A is a reliable marker to identify, quantify and assess, ex-vivo, retinal ganglion cell loss in this species.
Open Access
Identificación y caracterización de la población total de las células ganglionares de la retina en rata : nuevos métodos de trazado, expresión de melanopsina y de factores de transcripción Brn3:estudio de la respuesta neuronal y microglial a la axotomía y efecto del envejecimiento en la retina
(2015-12-01) Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Facultad de Medicina
Introducción La retina es parte del sistema nervioso central (SNC) y se localiza en la cara interna del globo ocular. Su función principal es la fototransducción de las ondas electromagnéticas del espectro de la luz visible en energía eléctrica. Esta función es realizada por los fotorreceptores (conos y bastones). Tras su procesamiento, la información llega a las células ganglionares de retina (CGR). Las CGR son las únicas neuronas aferentes de la retina y transmiten la información visual al cerebro a través de sus axones, que forman el nervio óptico (NO). En roedores, la mayoría de las CGR proyecta contralateralmente, siendo la población ipsilateral menor del 5%. Dentro de las CGR existe un subtipo que contiene un pigmento fotosensible, la melanopsina, que les confiere la propiedad de la fototransducción. Estas CGR melanopsínicas son responsables principalmente de funciones extravisuales o no formadoras de imágenes, como son el reflejo pupilar o la sincronización del ritmo circadiano con la luz. Objetivos 1º Caracterizar un muevo marcador para identificar las CGR de rata: Brn3a. 2º. Caracterizar la expresión de los factores de transcripción de familia Brn3 en las CGR de rata: Brn3a, Brn3b y Brn3c. 3º. Caracterizar las CGR desplazadas en rata albina y pigmentada. 4º. Caracterizar la población de CGR con proyección retino-retiniana en rata. 5º. Desarrollar nuevos métodos de trazado de las CGR de rata: desde el nervio óptico intacto y desde el tracto óptico. 6º. Analizar el efecto del trazado y la lesión axonal en las CGR melanopsínicas y en la expresión de melanopsina en rata albina y pigmentada. 7º. Caracterizar el efecto a largo plazo de la lesión del nervio óptico en la población general de CGR y CGR melanopsínicas ortotópicas y desplazadas y en el resto de las células que componen la capa de células ganglionares en rata albina y pigmentada. 8º. Caracterizar la respuesta de las células microgliales en la retina de rata tras axotomía del nervio óptico. 9º. Caracterizar el efecto del envejecimiento en la retina de rata albina y pigmentada. Material y Métodos. Resultados y Conclusiones Para identificar las CGR clásicamente se han usado técnicas de trazado. Los trazadores como el Fluorogold® (FG) se aplican o en el NO, para identificar la proyección retinofugal completa, o en los colículos superiores (CS), adonde proyectan el 98,4%% de las CGRs en roedores. En esta tesis hemos puesto a punto dos métodos nuevos de trazado: desde el NO intacto o desde el tracto óptico mediante una inyección bilateral estereotáctica. Ambas técnicas son asequibles, reproducibles y fiables. Además, hemos caracterizado el Brn3a como marcador de CGR. El Brn3a es un marcador fiable y eficiente para identificar y cuantificar las CGR en retinas intactas y con lesión axonal y además, permite analizar la topografía de las CGR después del daño axonal ya que a diferencia de los trazadores neuronales, no presenta interferencia con la microglía fagocítica trazada transcelularmente. Conjuntamente hemos analizado la expresión de los tres miembros de la familia Brn3 en las CGR, y hemos demostrado que el 70% de las CGR co-expresan dos o tres miembros de la familia Brn3 y el 30% restante expresa solamente Brn3a (26%) o Brn3b (4%) en retina de rata. Por tanto, el Brn3a se expresa en todas las CGRs exceptuando las CGR melanopsínicas y la mitad de la población ipsilateral. La mayoría de las CGR se localizan en la capa de las células ganglionares (CCG), conocidas como CGR ortotópicas (CGRo), aunque una pequeña población de CGR se encuentra desplazada a la capa nuclear interna o a la capa plexiforme interna. Estas CGR se llaman células de Dogiel o CGR desplazadas (CGRd). Nosotros hemos estudiado a ambas poblaciones en paralelo. Mientras que las CGR ortotópicas se distribuyen principalmente por la región dorso-central de la retina, las CGR desplazadas tienen una topografía diferente, se encuentran en el ecuador de la retina, con un densidad mayor en la retina temporal y son más abundantes en la rata pigmentada. La mayoría de las CGRd expresan Brn3a, y una pequeña proporción expresa melanopsina, estas últimas se distribuyen de manera similar a las CGRo melanopsínicas: son más abundantes en la retina dorso-temporal. Existe una pequeña población de CGR que proyecta a la retina contralateral, éstas son las CGR de proyección retino-retiniana (CGR ret-ret). Hemos corroborado que esta proyección es mayor en animales jóvenes que en adultos y que se encuentran preferentemente en la retina nasal y, además hemos demostrado que éstas expresan Brn3a o melanopsina y que, las que lo hacen, son las que se mantienen en los animales adultos. En la CCG, además de las CGRo hay otras poblaciones celulares: células endoteliales, células gliales y las células amacrinas desplazadas (CAd). En esta tesis hemos descrito que el 45% de las neuronas de la CCG son CGRs y el 55% restante son CAd. Y si excluimos las células endoteliales, las células gliales representarían un 10% de la población total de la capa de células ganglionares. En esta tesis, también analizamos como el albinismo afecta a las CGR. El albinismo es una enfermedad hereditaria, en la que hay una ausencia parcial o total de pigmentación que, entre otras, provoca una serie de anomalías en el sistema visual tales como una menor proyección ipsilateral y número de CGRd y, la agudeza visual y el nistagmus optocinético están afectados. Nosotros hemos demostrado que el albinismo produce los mismos defectos en la población melanopsínica que en el resto de las CGR: disminución en el número de CGRd-m y una proporción inferior de ipsilateralidad. Las lesiones en el SNC provocan la muerte neuronal con secuelas permanentes e irrecuperables, ya que las neuronas del SNC no se reemplazan. En esta tesis hemos utilizado dos modelos de degeneración de SNC que afectan específicamente a las CGR: la lesión traumática axonal por sección (SNO) o aplastamiento (ApNO) de nervio óptico, y la hipertensión ocular (HTO) como modelo de glaucoma aumentando la presión intraocular por fotocoagulación láser de la malla trabecular y las venas perilimbares y episclerales. Usando el modelo de la elevación de la presión intraocular hemos observado que las CGR desplazadas presentan la misma respuesta que las CGR ortotópicas. Y los modelos de axotomía de nervio óptico también nos han permitido documentar que estas lesiones causan la pérdida específica de CGR (ortotópicas y desplazadas), sin afectar a otras poblaciones de la capa de células ganglionares. Sin embargo, dentro de las CGR, las CGR melanopsinicas tienen un curso temporal de pérdida diferente, son más resistentes a la lesión, pero la expresión de melanopsina se infra-regula transitoriamente como respuesta tanto la axotomía como al trazado retrógrado desde el NO. Así, este hallazgo debe ser tenido en cuenta cuando se utilice la melanopsina para estudiar la población de las CGR intrínsicamente fotosensibles. Las células de la microglía (CM) son los macrófagos residentes del SNC. En condiciones normales se encuentran en estado de vigilancia. Sin embargo, tras una lesión neurodegenerativa se activan fagocitando desechos celulares. La aproximación experimental que se utiliza para identificar las CM que han fagocitado una neurona (o CM fagocíticas, CMF) se basa en el hecho de que las CM acumulan en sus fagolisosomas productos exógenos, proceso conocido como marcaje transcelular. Así, cuando una CM fagocita una CGR en degeneración previamente trazada, acumula el trazador siendo posible distinguirla de las CM que no han fagocitado. En esta tesis hemos cuantificado y analizado la distribución de las CM en la CCG y la CPI tanto en animales intactos como después de ambos modelos de axotomia (SNO y ApNO). La aparición de las CMF después del insulto aumenta al aumentar el tiempo post-lesión y se distribuyen en la región central de la retina donde hay una mayor pérdida de las CGR, a diferencia de los animales intactos donde se distribuyen homogéneamente. Aunque éste aumento de CMF es más rápido después de la SNO, existe una correlación lineal y topográfica entre la aparición de las CMF y la pérdida de CGR. La aparición de las CMF en la CCG y el descenso de las CM no fagocíticas en la CPI a 14d de ambas lesiones, sugiere que tras la lesión de las CGR las CM migran entre ambas capas. La pérdida funcional o estructural de la actividad sensorial relacionada con la edad, es muy relevante cuando afecta al sistema visual, ya que de él dependemos más que de otros sentidos. No sólo los componentes puramente físicos implicados en la visión (córnea, cristalino, humor vítreo y humor acuoso) sufren cambios estructurales que influyen en la eficiencia de la transmisión lumínica perjudicando la calidad de la visión, sino que hay pérdida numérica y funcional en las poblaciones celulares implicadas en la transmisión de la información hasta el cerebro que aumenta con la edad. En esta tesis hemos comprobado que el envejecimiento causa principalmente un déficit funcional de la retina en ambas estirpes de rata analizadas. Pero anatómicamente, ni el número de células en la CCG, ni el transporte axonal anterógrado disminuyen con la edad, solamente en la cepa pigmentada, hay un descenso del número de fotoreceptores tipo cono. Y mediante un análisis “in vivo” (SD-OCT), también hemos observado un alargamiento y adelgazamiento progresivo de la retina. Para la realización de esta tesis ha sido necesario el desarrollo de rutinas informáticas que permitan tanto la cuantificación como la representación grafica de la distribución de las diversas poblaciones celulares estudiadas en la retina. Todas estas metodologías automáticas fueron realizadas en colaboración con D. Manuel Jiménez López. Introduction The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS) and it is located in the posterior part of the ocular globe. The main function of the retina is to sense light. Photoreceptors, cones and rods and send the luminous information to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through intermediate neurons. RGCs are the only afferent retinal neurons and transmit this information from the retina to the retinorecipient areas in the brain through their axons that form the optic nerve (ON). In rodents, the majority of RGC project to the contralateral superior colliculi (SCi), being the ipsilateral projection smaller than 5%. There is a subtype of RGC that expresses a photosensitive pigment, melanopsin, that confers them the ability of phototransduction. Melanopsin+RGC (m+RGC) are responsible for the non visual functions triggered by light, such as the pupilary reflex and the circadian photoentrainment. Objetives 1st. To characterize Brn3a as a marker of rat RGCs. 2nd. To characterize the expression of Brn3 transcription factors, Brn3a, Brn3b and Brn3c, in rat RGCs. 3rd. To characterize the population of displaced RGCs in albino and pigmented rats. 4th. To characterize the population of RGCs that project retino-retinially. 5th. To investigate the efficiency of two new methods to trace rat RGCs: from the intact optic nerve and from the optic tract. 6th. To analyze the effect of tracing or axotomy on the expresión of melanopsin and detection of melanopsin+RGCs in albino and pigmented rat RGCs. 7th. To analyze in albino and pigmented rats the long term effect of optic nerve injury on RGCs and m+RGCs orthotopic and displaced, and on the rest of the ganglion cell layer cells. 8th. To analyze the microglial response in the rat retina after optic nerve axotomy. 9th. To study in albino and pigmented rats the effect of aging on the retina. Material and Methods. Results and Conclusions Retrograde tracing with tracers such as Fluorogold® (FG) is the classical approach to identify RGCs. Tracers are applied in the ON to identify the whole retinofugal projection or on the SC, where 98.4% of the RGC project to. In these thesis, we have tuned up two new methods to trace rat RGCs: from the intact optic nerve and from the optic tract by a bilateral stereotactic injection. Both techniques are affordable, reproducible and reliable. In addition we have characterized the Brn3a as a marker of rat RGCs. Brn3a is a reliable marker to identify, quantify and assess the viability of rat RGCs in health and disease. In addition, Brn3a immunodetection allows quantifying and determining the topography of RGCs after a given injury without interference of transcellularly- labelled microglial cells. We have analyzed the expression of the three members of the Brn3 family RGC, and we have shown that 70% of RGC co-express two or three Brn3 members and the remaining 30% expresses only Brn3a (25%) or Brn3b (4%). Brn3a is expressed by all RGCs except melanopsin+ ones and half of the ipsilateral projection. Most of the RGC are placed in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), these are orthotopic RGC (oRGC). However a small proportion of them is located in the inner nuclear layer or in the inner plexiform layer. These are known as Dogiel's cells or displaced RGC (dRGC). We have studied both counterpart together. While the ortothopic RGCs, are denser in the dorso-central retina, the displaced RGCs have a different topography, they are found in the retinal equator, with a higher density in the temporal retina and are more abundant in pigmented animals. Most of the dRGCs express Brn3a, and a small proportion express melanopsin, the last ones have a similar distribution than the m+-oRGCs: they are more abundant in the dorso-temporal retina. There is a small number of RGC projects to the contralateral retina, these are retino-retinal projecting RGC (ret-ret RGC). We have beared out the retino-retinal projection is minute but higher in young than in adult animals. Ret-ret RGCs are mainly nasal, and express Brn3a or melanopsin and those do it, are preserved in adult animals. In the GCL besides oRGC there are endothelial cells, glial cells and displaced amacrine cells (dAC). In this work, we have described that 45%percent of neurons in the GCL are RGCs, and 55% are displaced amacrine cells. And, if we exclude the endothelial cells, glial cells represent 10% of the total cell population of the ganglion cell layer. In this thesis, we have also analyzed how albinism affects RGCs. Albinism is a hereditary disease caused by the partial or total lack of pigmentation that causes a long list of abnormalities in the visual system such as an impaired visual acuity and optokinetic nystagmus and defects in the crossing of the retinofugal projections. Here, we added to this knowledge, that albinism produces in the melanopsin population the same defects than in the general RGC population: reduced number of displaced m+RGCs and a lower ipsilaterally. CNS lesions induce the permanent and irreversible death of the affected neurons, since CNS neurons do not proliferate and thus, are not replaced. In this thesis we have used two models of RGC degeneration: traumatic axonal injury (axotomy) transecting (ONT) or crushing (ONC) the optic nerve, and ocular hypertension (OHT), a model of glaucoma created by increasing the intraocular pressure with laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork, the perilimbar and episcleral veins. Using the ocular hypertension, we have observed that the dRGCs and oRGC respond similarly to lesion. And the axotomy models also allowed us to document that after axotomy only RGCs are lost (ortothopic and displaced) without affecting other populations in the ganglion cell layer. However, within RGCs, the m+RGCs have a different course of loss, they are more resistant to injury, but the expression of melanopsin is temporarily under-regulated in response to both axotomy and retrograde tracing from the NO. Thus, this finding should be considered when melanopsin is used to study the population of the intrinsically photosensitive CGR. Microglial cells (MC) are the CNS resident macrophages. In the healthy CNS they are found in a resting (surveying) state. However, during a neurodegenerative process, they activate and among other functions, phagocytose the cellular debris. The experimental approach to identify CM that have phagocytose a neuron (phagocytic microglial cells, PMC) is based on the fact that CM accumulate in their phagolysosomes exogenous compounds, such as tracers. This process is known as transcellular tracing. Thus, when a MC engulfs a traced RGC it is possible to distinguish it from the rest of MC. In this thesis, we quantified and analyzed the distribution of MC in the GCL and the IPL in intact animal or after both axotomy models (SNO and APNO). The number of CMF after the insult increases with time post-injury. These PMC are distributed in the central region of the retina where the loss of RGCs is greater, unlike in intact animals where they are homogeneously distributed. The appearance of PMC correlates linearly and topographically with the loss of RGCs. The increase of PMC in the GCL and the decrease of MC in the IPL suggest that upon RGC injury, MC migrate between both layers. Aging is very relevant when affects the visual system, since we depend on vision more than on any other senses. Not only the physical components of the eye (cornea, lens, vitreous and aqueous humor) through which the light passes age, there is also a progressive neuronal loss and degeneration. In this thesis we found that aging causes, mainly, a functional deficit in the retina in both rat strains. Anatomically, neither the number of cells in the GCL nor the anterograde axonal transport diminishes with age, however, in the pigmented, but not in the albino rat, there is a loss of cone photoreceptors. And by “in vivo” analysis (SD-OCT), we have also observed a progressive elongation and thinning of the retina. For the consecution of this thesis it has been necessary to develop several automated routines to perform the quantification and graphic representation of the different cell populations analyzed. All these automated methodologies were created in collaboration with D. Manuel Jimenez López.
Open Access
Topical Bromfenac transiently delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell loss.
(Elsevier, 2019-03-30) Rovere, Giuseppe; Sobrado-Calvo, Paloma; Villegas-Pérez, María P.; Vidal-Sanz, Manuel; Agudo-Barriuso, Marta; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica
Optic nerve axotomy in rodents allows detailed studies of the eﬀect of diﬀerent treatments on the survival of central nervous system neurons, the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Here we have analyzed the neuroprotective eﬀect of topical bromfenac treatment, a nonsteroidal anti-inﬂammatory drug (NSAID) used in clinic to ameliorate post-operative inﬂammation, on axotomized rat RGCs. The left optic nerve of adult rats was subjected to optic nerve crush (ONC). Half of the rats were treated with a topical instillation of saline. On the other half, immediately after the surgery, 2 drops of bromfenac (0.09% Yellox; Bausch & Lomb) were instilled, and then every 12 h until analysis. Retinas in both groups were dissected 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 days after ONC (n = 4–8/time point/group). Toxicity of bromfenac was assessed in intact retinas treated during 14 days (n = 6). Intact un-treated retinas were used as control of the RGC population. RGCs were identiﬁed by Brn3a immunodetection and automatically quantiﬁed. Our results show that bromfenac does not cause RGC loss in intact retinas. In the injured groups, the number of RGCs at 7, 9 and 14 days after the lesion was signiﬁcantly higher in treated vs. untreated retinas. To our knowledge this is the ﬁrst report showing that a topical treatment with a NSAIDs delays axotomy-induced RGC loss and indicates that treatment with NSAIDs could be used as conjunctive therapy in diseases that proceed with optic nerve damage.
Open Access
Visual deficits and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurofibromatosis type 1: bridging science and patient-centered care
(MDPI, 2024-05-09) Miyagishima, Kiyoharu J.; Qiao, Fengyu; Stasheff, Steven F.; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultad de Óptica y Optometría
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder primarily affecting children and adolescents characterized by multisystemic clinical manifestations. Mutations in neurofibromin, the protein encoded by the Nf1 tumor suppressor gene, result in dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK pathway leading to uncontrolled cell growth and migration. Neurofibromin is highly expressed in several cell lineages including melanocytes, glial cells, neurons, and Schwann cells. Individuals with NF1 possess a genetic predisposition to central nervous system neoplasms, particularly gliomas affecting the visual pathway, known as optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). While OPGs are typically asymptomatic and benign, they can induce visual impairment in some patients. This review provides insight into the spectrum and visual outcomes of NF1, current diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, and explores the influence of NF1-OPGS on visual abnormalities. We focus on recent advancements in preclinical animal models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of NF1 pathology and therapies targeting NF1-OPGs. Overall, our review highlights the involvement of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and degeneration in NF1 disease, and the need for further research to transform scientific laboratory discoveries to improved patient outcomes.
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Retinal neurodegeneration in experimental glaucoma
(Elsevier, 2015-07-02) Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Valiente Soriano, Francisco Javier; Ortín Martínez, Arturo; Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Jiménez López, Manuel; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; García Ayuso, Diego; Avilés Trigueros, Marcelino; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Villegas Pérez, Maria Paz; Alarcón Martínez, Luis; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Bagetta, Giacinto; Nucci, Carlo; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
In rats and mice, limbar tissues of the left eye were laser-photocoagulated (LP) and ocular hypertension (OHT) effects were investigated 1 week to 6 months later. To investigate the innermost layers, retinas were examined in wholemounts using tracing from the superior colliculi to identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with intact retrograde axonal transport, melanopsin immunodetection to identify intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (m(+)RGC), Brn3a immunodetection to identify most RGCs but not m(+)RGCs, RECA1 immunodetection to examine the inner retinal vessels, and DAPI staining to detect all nuclei in the GC layer. The outer retinal layers (ORLs) were examined in cross sections analyzed morphometrically or in wholemounts to study S- and L-cones. Innervation of the superior colliculi was examined 10 days to 14 weeks after LP with orthogradely transported cholera toxin subunit B. By 2 weeks, OHT resulted in pie-shaped sectors devoid of FG(+)RGCs or Brn3a(+)RGCs but with large numbers of DAPI(+)nuclei. Brn3a(+)RGCs were significantly greater than FG(+)RGCs, indicating the survival of large numbers of RGCs with their axonal transport impaired. The inner retinal vasculature showed no abnormalities that could account for the sectorial loss of RGCs. m(+)RGCs decreased to approximately 50-51% in a diffuse loss across the retina. Cross sections showed focal areas of degeneration in the ORLs. RGC loss at 1m diminished to 20-25% and did not progress further with time, whereas the S- and L-cone populations diminished progressively up to 6m. The retinotectal projection was reduced by 10 days and did not progress further. LP-induced OHT results in retrograde degeneration of RGCs and m(+)RGCs, severe damage to the ORL, and loss of retinotectal terminals.
Open Access
Displaced retinal ganglion cells in albino and pigmented rats
(Frontiers Media , 2014-10-06) Nadal-Nicolás, Francisco Manuel; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; Jiménez López, Manuel; Sobrado Calvo, Paloma; Villegas Pérez, Maria Paz; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Agudo Barriuso, Marta; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
We have studied in parallel the population of displaced retinal ganglion cells (dRGCs) and normally placed (orthotopic RGCs, oRGCs) in albino and pigmented rats. Using retrograde tracing from the optic nerve, from both superior colliculi (SC) or from the ipsilateral SC in conjunction with Brn3 and melanopsin immunodetection, we report for the first time their total number and topography as well as the number and distribution of those dRGCs and oRGCs that project ipsi- or contralaterally and/or that express any of the three Brn3 isoforms or melanopsin. The total number of RGCs (oRGCs+dRGCs) is 84,706 ± 1249 in albino and 90,440 ± 2236 in pigmented, out of which 2383 and 2428 are melanopsin positive (m-RGCs), respectively. Regarding dRGCs: i/ albino rats have a significantly lower number of dRGCs than pigmented animals (0.5% of the total number of RGCs vs. 2.5%, respectively), ii/ dRGCs project massively to the contralateral SC, iii/ the percentage of ipsilaterality is higher for dRGCs than for oRGCs, iv/ a higher proportion of ipsilateral dRGCs is observed in albino than pigmented animals, v/ dRGC topography is very specific, they predominate in the equatorial temporal retina, being densest where the oRGCs are densest, vi/ Brn3a detects all dRGCs except half of the ipsilateral ones and those that express melanopsin, vii/ the proportion of dRGCs that express Brn3b or Brn3c is slightly lower than in the oRGC population, viii/ a higher percentage of dRGCs (13% albino, 9% pigmented) than oRGCs (2.6%) express melanopsin, ix/ few m-RGCs (displaced and orthotopic) project to the ipsilateral SC, x/ the topography of m-dRGCs does not resemble the general distribution of dRGCs, xi/ The soma size in m-oRGCs ranges from 10 to 21 μm and in m-dRGCs from 8 to 15 μm, xii/ oRGCs and dRGCs have the same susceptibility to axonal injury and ocular hypertension. Although the role of mammalian dRGCs remains to be determined, our data suggest that they are not misplaced by an ontogenic mistake.