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Biomedical subjects

B'Ann T Gabelt

Publications and source records attributed to B'Ann T Gabelt.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

The effect of C3 transgene expression on actin and cellular adhesions in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells and on outflow facility in organ cultured monkey eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of adenovirus-delivered exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) gene expression on cultured human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells and on outflow facility in organ cultured monkey anterior segments. METHODS: An adenoviral (Ad) vector expressing both C3 and green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to transduce cultured HTM cells. Changes in cell morphology and the organization of actin, vinculin, and beta-catenin were assessed using immunofluorescence. Cultured monkey eye anterior segments were used to test the effects of AdC3GFP on outflow facility. RESULTS: Treatment of HTM cells with AdC3GFP resulted in dose-dependent morphological changes 3 or 4 days post-transduction. The AdC3GFP-transduced cells were either partially retracted, rounded, or very elongated compared to non-transduced cells. Compared to AdGFP-transduced cells, AdC3GFP-transduced cells demonstrated disrupted actin cytoskeleton, reduced vinculin-positive focal adhesions, and loss of beta-catenin staining. Cells transduced with AdGFP did not round up or retract. In organ culture studies, outflow facility was increased by 90+/-21% (n=15, p<0.001) in AdC3GFP-transduced eyes compared to baseline and corrected for AdGFP-transduced control eye washout on days 3-6 after transduction. CONCLUSIONS: C3 transduction is effective in disrupting actin filaments, cytoskeleton, and cellular adhesions in HTM cells and in increasing outflow facility in organ cultured monkey anterior segments, suggesting that expressing the C3 gene in the trabecular meshwork may be an effective approach for glaucoma therapy.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Latrunculin B effects on trabecular meshwork and corneal endothelial morphology in monkeys.

To determine the mechanism of latrunculin B (LAT-B)-induced decrease in outflow resistance and the effect of LAT-B on the cornea, structural changes of the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the corneal endothelium following LAT-B were studied in the live monkey eye. LAT-B (0.5 microM) and vehicle were administered by anterior chamber exchange and infusion with cationized and non-cationized gold solution in opposite eyes. The eyes were fixed by infusing Ito's solution and enucleated. Anterior segments were quadrisected and embedded in Epon-Embed 812. Morphology of the TM and the corneal endothelium was studied by light and electron microscopy. LAT-B-induced morphological changes in the TM included: (1) loss of microfilament integrity in cells, especially in TM cells on the collagen beams; (2) development of numerous cytoplasmic projections of the sub-canalicular cells (SUB); (3) reorganization of intermediate filaments in Schlemm's canal inner wall (IW) cells; (4) massive 'ballooning' of the juxtacanalicular (JXT) region, leading to a substantial expansion of the space between the IW of Schlemm's canal and the trabecular collagen beams; and (5) retention of extracellular matrix (ECM), trapped between the SUB cell layer and IW cells. No detrimental effects on tight junctions, giant vacuoles, and cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesions were observed. Endocytosis of gold particles was not affected. Morphology of the corneal endothelium of the LAT-B-treated eye was unchanged. In conclusion, TM changes in the LAT-B-treated eye suggest that the expansion of the JXT space may account for the decrease in outflow resistance induced by latrunculins. The outflow-effective concentration of LAT-B administered intracamerally does not significantly affect the corneal endothelium.

Actins↗

Vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss in monkeys with experimental glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss in monkeys with experimental glaucoma. METHODS: We induced unilateral chronic glaucoma by means of laser trabecular destruction in 14 rhesus and 6 cynomolgus monkeys. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored weekly. We assessed optic nerve damage clinically and photographically. Vitreous, sampled immediately before enucleation, was analyzed for glutamate concentration by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. We quantified percentage of axon loss after histopathologic sectioning of the optic nerve, compared median glutamate concentration ratios, and assessed correlation of glutamate concentration, axon count, IOP, cup-disc ratio, duration of IOP elevation, and age. RESULTS: Median vitreous glutamate concentration in glaucomatous eyes was 7.0 micromol/L (range, 3.0-88.6 micromol/L) vs 6.7 micromol/L (range, 2.8-87.4 micromol/L) in control eyes. The ratio (glaucomatous to control eyes) was 1.08. We found no significant correlation between vitreous glutamate concentration ratio and any of the other variables. The IOP, disc cupping, and axon loss were correlated. CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference between vitreous glutamate concentration in glaucomatous and contralateral control monkey eyes when the entire data set was examined and no evidence of correlation between vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vitreous concentration of the excitotoxic amino acid glutamate, thought to be associated with retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma, was not altered in this study.

Animals↗

Aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys after topical R-DOI.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of R-DOI, a selective 5-HT2 agonist, on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys. METHODS: Normotensive cynomolgus monkeys (n = 8) were treated topically once daily with four 5-muL drops of 0.5% R-DOI in one eye, vehicle in the opposite eye. The 6-hour IOP response (Goldmann applanation tonometry) was determined before the drug application and on the third day of treatment. Aqueous humor formation, or flow (AHF, measured by fluorophotometry), was measured from hours 3 to 8 after the third dose. Beginning 3.5 hours after the fourth or fifth dose, AHF was measured by dilution of radio-iodinated monkey albumin perfused through the anterior chamber and flow to blood by accumulation of albumin in the general circulation. Uveoscleral outflow (Fu) was calculated. Flow to blood was determined at spontaneous and elevated pressures, allowing calculation of trabecular outflow facility. Total outflow facility was determined by two-level constant pressure perfusion from 3.5 to 5 hours and from 5.5 to 6.25 hours after R-DOI treatment. RESULTS: Reduction of IOP in treated eyes was compared to the opposite control eyes corrected for the 6-hour IOP baseline before the first dose. After the third dose of R-DOI, IOP was significantly (P < 0.01, n = 7) decreased by 1.4 to 4.7 mm Hg over the 6 hours. AHF (by fluorophotometry) increased by 13% (P < 0.05, n = 8) in treated compared with control eyes corrected for baseline. AHF (isotope dilution) increased by 30% (P < 0.01, n = 8), flow to blood decreased by 28% (n = 5), and Fu increased by 241% (P < 0.05, n = 5). Total and trabecular outflow facility were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: R-DOI caused a small but significant increase in AHF and lowered IOP in normotensive monkeys primarily by increasing Fu.

Administration, Topical↗

Viscocanalostomy in rhesus monkeys.

OBJECTIVE: To examine structural changes and aqueous humor outflow after viscocanalostomy in live normal monkey eyes. METHODS: Viscocanalostomy surgery was performed in 1 eye of each of 4 rhesus monkeys. Outflow facility was determined before and after surgery. All eyes were fixed and examined by light and/or electron microscopy 36 or 63 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Schlemm canal was replaced by scar tissue at the surgical site. The juxtacanalicular zone contained homogeneous material, probably high-molecular-weight 1.4% sodium hyaluronate. The sclera external to Schlemm canal was overhydrated, and remains of a scleral lake were present in 1 animal. Multiple defects were present in the endothelial lining of Schlemm canal inner and outer wall. Fine fibrillar material and sheath-derived plaque material partly bridged the defects. Along the inner wall, aggregations of thrombocytes covered some defects in the endothelial lining of the canal. At 90 degrees to 180 degrees from the surgical site, small and fewer breaks in the inner wall were seen. Postsurgery outflow facility (n = 2) was approximately 30% higher in the treated eye than in the contralateral control, corrected bilaterally for presurgery baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The most likely explanations for the increase in outflow facility in monkeys after viscocanalostomy are focal disruptions of the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm canal and disorganization of the juxtacanalicular zone, resulting in direct communication of juxtacanalicular zone extracellular spaces with the lumen of Schlemm canal. The continuous presence of sodium hyaluronate might prevent repair of these defects by interfering with thrombocyte function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In nonhuman primates, viscocanalostomy appears to decrease outflow resistance through persisting focal disruption of the inner wall endothelium and opening of the juxtacanalicular or cribriform region of the trabecular meshwork, the tissue most affected by pathologic changes in primary open-angle glaucoma in humans.

Animals↗

Pharmacological characteristics of AFP-168 (tafluprost), a new prostanoid FP receptor agonist, as an ocular hypotensive drug.

To evaluate the pharmacological characteristics of AFP-168 (tafluprost), a new prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) derivative, we examined its receptor-binding affinities, intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect, effects on aqueous humor dynamics, and stimulating effect on melanogenesis. The receptor-binding profile for AFP-172, a carboxylic acid of AFP-168, was determined by measuring muscle contractions in an organ bath, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and competitive binding of a radio-labelled ligand. For the IOP-measurement study, ocular normotensive and laser-induced ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys were used, and IOP was measured using a pneumatonograph. For the studies of aqueous humor dynamics, IOP (Goldmann applanation tonometry), fluorophotometry, two-level constant pressure perfusion, and isotope dilution and accumulation techniques were used in ocular normotensive monkeys. The melanin contents in the medium and in the cell bodies of cultured B16-F0 melanoma cells were measured. The affinity for the FP receptor shown by AFP-172 (Ki : 0.4 nm) was 12 times that of PhXA85 ( Ki : 4.7 nm), a carboxylic acid of latanoprost. A single application of AFP-168 at 0.0025% significantly lowered IOP in both ocular normotensive and hypertensive monkeys (3.1 and 11.8 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.01) and latanoprost at 0.005% significantly lowered IOP (2.1 mmHg, p < 0.01 and 9.5 mmHg, p = 0.059 respectively). Once daily instillation of AFP-168 at 0.001, 0.0025, or 0.005% for 5 days in normotensive monkeys significantly reduced IOP not only for a few hours, but also at the drug-trough time 24hr after application. Latanoprost at 0.005% also reduced IOP, but not at the drug-trough time. AFP-168 decreased IOP mainly by increasing uveoscleral outflow by 65% (p < 0.05) and, as sometimes seen with other prostanoids, also increased total outflow facility (33% increase, p < 0.05). In cultured B16-F0 melanoma cells, AFP-172 (100 microM) did not stimulate melanogenesis, but PhXA85 (100 microM) did. These findings indicate that AFP-168 has a high affinity for the prostanoid FP receptor, has potent IOP-lowering effects in both ocular normotensive and hypertensive monkeys that exceed those of latanoprost, and has less stimulating effect on melanogenesis in melanoma cells.

Animals↗

Aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys after topical 8-iso PGE(2).

PURPOSE: To determine in normotensive cynomolgus monkeys, the effects of topical 8-iso prostaglandin (PG)E(2) on intraocular pressure (IOP), aqueous humor formation (AHF), uveoscleral outflow (Fu), and total and trabecular outflow facility. METHODS: IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry under ketamine anesthesia after single or twice-daily topical treatments with 8-iso PGE(2). With animals under pentobarbital anesthesia, AHF and flow to blood (equated to trabecular outflow) were determined by anterior chamber perfusion with radioactively labeled albumin solution. Fu and trabecular outflow facility were calculated from these measurements. Total outflow facility was measured by two-level, constant-pressure perfusion. RESULTS: IOP was not significantly changed after single or multiple 10- micro g doses of 8-iso PGE(2). The 25- micro g dose significantly decreased IOP by 2 to 3 mm Hg compared to the contralateral vehicle-treated control 4 to 6 hours after a single dose and by 3 to 5 mm Hg within 1.5 hours after twice-daily treatments for 4 to 5 days. Total outflow facility corrected for control eye washout was increased by an apparent 37% (P < 0.02, n = 7) from 2 to 3.5 hours after the ninth dose, largely due to outlier values obtained in one monkey. Isotope studies performed after twice-daily treatments totaling 9 to 29 doses showed no change in AHF, trabecular outflow facility, or total outflow facility. Relative to AHF, trabecular outflow was significantly decreased, and the calculated Fu was significantly increased when all data were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings are consistent with lowering of IOP by 8-iso PGE(2), primarily by increasing Fu. A direct effect on the trabecular meshwork was not indicated by these in vivo studies.

Administration, Topical↗

H-7 effect on outflow facility after trabecular obstruction following long-term echothiophate treatment in monkeys.

PURPOSE: To determine whether H-7 can enhance outflow facility after trabecular meshwork obstruction by extracellular material that accumulates after long-term treatment of monkeys with the cholinesterase inhibitor echothiophate iodide (ECHO). METHODS: Cynomolgus monkeys were treated topically with 150 microg ECHO in one (n = 4 eyes) or both (n = 8 eyes) eyes for up to 48 weeks. Accommodation response to topical pilocarpine was monitored periodically. Outflow facility response to H-7 was measured by two-level constant pressure perfusion on three or four different occasions after intraocular pressure was elevated for 12 to 18 weeks. RESULTS: Long-term treatment with ECHO decreased the accommodative response to pilocarpine and increased intraocular pressure, as has been reported. Baseline outflow facility was decreased by 46% +/- 7% (n = 12, P < 0.001). H-7 partially restored baseline outflow facility measured during subsequent perfusions while ECHO treatment was continued. Concurrent H-7 enhanced outflow facility by 73% +/- 18% (n = 12, P < 0.005) beyond the same-day baseline in ECHO-treated eyes. Cessation of ECHO treatment further restored baseline outflow facility, and the outflow facility response to H-7. CONCLUSIONS: H-7 can enhance OF in the presence of trabecular obstruction produced by long-term ECHO treatment. This suggests that H-7 may be useful in treating glaucoma, even in the presence of accumulated plaque material that has been described previously.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinases in monkey eyes with experimental glaucoma or optic nerve transection.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after neuronal injury and reactive gliosis is carried out by activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulated by their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). In glaucoma, there is a loss of retinal ganglion cells and extensive ECM remodeling (cupping) at the level of the optic nerve head, frequently associated with elevated intraocular pressure. To determine whether ECM remodeling in the glaucomatous optic nerve head occurs in response to loss of axons or to elevated intraocular pressure we compared the patterns of MMP and TIMP expression in the eyes of monkeys with laser-induced glaucoma or with optic nerve transection. MT1-MMP and MMP1 expression was markedly increased in reactive astrocytes in optic nerve heads with experimental glaucoma but not in the optic nerve head of transected eyes. In normal control eyes retinal ganglion cells expressed MMP2, TIMP1 and TIMP2 constitutively, and the proteins were detected in their axons. At the site of transection, MT1-MMP, MMP1, MMP2, TIMP1 and TIMP2 were expressed by reactive astrocytes. Inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and reactive astrocytes at the transected site expressed MMP3 and MMP9, which were undetectable in the retina and optic nerve head in any condition. Constitutive expression of MMP2, TIMP1 and TIMP2 in retinal ganglion cells suggests a role in maintenance of synaptic integrity and plasticity and maintenance of the periaxonal space. Increased MMP1 and MT1-MMP1 expression in the glaucomatous optic nerve head is specific to tissue remodeling due to elevated intraocular pressure and not secondary to loss of axons.

Animals↗

Neurochemical correlates of cortical plasticity after unilateral elevated intraocular pressure in a primate model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To examine the time course of changes in the expression patterns of several synaptic plasticity markers in the primary visual cortex after unilateral elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a primate model of glaucoma. METHODS: A monkey model of experimental glaucoma was combined with immunohistochemical and histochemical methods to assess changes in expression patterns and metabolic activity of cortical neurons in V1. RESULTS: Experimental unilateral glaucoma altered the spatial and temporal distribution of several neurochemicals associated with cortical plasticity in V1 of the primate. Within-animal comparisons of immunohistochemical studies revealed that GABAa receptor protein and GAP-43 were significantly lower in glaucomatous versus normal eye bands after 2, 4, and 7 months of elevated IOP. SYN immunoreactivity was also lower in the glaucomatous versus the normal eye bands but only at 4 months of elevated IOP. CAMKIIalpha immunoreactivity levels were higher in the glaucomatous versus the normal eye bands. Between-animal comparisons revealed that the levels of GAP-43 and SYN were upregulated, whereas levels of GABAa receptor protein were downregulated, in glaucomatous eyes when compared with levels in the visual cortex of normal animals. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral elevation of IOP affects both the metabolic activity of cortical neurons and the expressed levels of GAP-43, SYN, GABAa receptor protein, and CAMKIIalpha, as measured immunohistochemically in the primary visual cortex of adult monkeys. Because these neurochemicals are thought to be necessary for synaptic plasticity, their redistribution may support functional recovery of cortical neurons after damage to retinal ganglion cells induced by elevated IOP.

Animals↗

Effects of prostaglandins on the aqueous humor outflow pathways.

Topical treatments with certain prostaglandins (PGs), including FP receptor agonists, lower intraocular pressure by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Although the precise mechanism for the increased uveoscleral outflow is not known, there appears to be activation of a molecular transduction cascade and an increase in the biosynthesis of certain metalloproteinases. This leads to reduction of extracellular matrix components within the ciliary muscle, iris root, and sclera. It is possible that this reduction of extracellular matrix present within portions of the uveoscleral pathway may contribute to the mechanism of increased uveoscleral outflow. Additional mechanisms that may contribute to the PG-mediated increase of uveoscleral outflow include relaxation of the ciliary muscle, cell shape changes, cytoskeletal alteration, or compaction of the extracellular matrix within the tissues of the uveoscleral outflow pathway. Future studies should clarify the importance of these various responses that may contribute to increased uveoscleral outflow. At present, there is no compelling evidence for a substantial facility-increasing effect on the trabecular meshwork outflow for any of these compounds.

Animals↗

Eyelid lymphatics I: histochemical comparisons between the monkey and human.

PURPOSE: To study the lymphatic drainage of the cynomolgus monkey and human eyelid and periocular tissue by means of histochemistry. METHODS: Eyelid and periocular tissue from three cynomolgus monkeys undergoing sacrifice for glaucoma and retina research purposes and discarded tissue from a wedge resection of one human eyelid were used for histochemical analysis. Lymphatic capillaries were distinguished histochemically in monkey and human eyelids by light microscopy with a 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) staining method. Identification of lymphatic vessels was based on strict morphologic criteria combined with specific 5'-Nase staining. RESULTS: Histochemical analysis with 5'-nucleotidase revealed a subcutaneous and pretarsal lymphatic plexus in both the human and monkey. CONCLUSIONS: Histochemical results demonstrate similar lymphatic plexi in the monkey and human. Future studies will help to clarify the lymphatic drainage pathways of monkey and human eyelids.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Eyelid lymphatics II: a search for drainage patterns in the monkey and correlations with human lymphatics.

PURPOSE: To study the lymphatic drainage of the cynomolgus monkey through the use of lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS: Lymphoscintigraphy with 500 microCi of 99mTechnetium sulfur colloid injected at specific sites around the eyelids was performed with five cynomolgus monkeys in lateral and ventral positions. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy of the monkey eyelid and periocular tissue revealed lymphatic drainage to the parotid lymph nodes from the entire upper eyelid, medial canthus, and lateral lower eyelid and drainage to the submandibular lymph nodes from the medial and central lower eyelid. In addition to draining to the parotid lymph nodes, the central upper eyelid was also seen to drain to the submandibular lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoscintigraphy of the cynomolgus monkey eyelids reveals discrete lymphatic drainage pathways for the upper and lower eyelids and a dual pathway for the central upper eyelid. Future studies will help to clarify the lymphatic drainage pathways of human eyelids.

Animals↗