Histopathological Changes of Inner Retina, Optic Disc, and Optic Nerve in Rabbit with Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa

ABSTRACT

We observed the histopathological changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), optic disc, and optic nerve in rabbit with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Wild-type (WT) and rhodopsin transgenic (Tg) of RP rabbits were used at age 24 months. Light and electron microscopy were used to observe the retina, optic disc, and optic nerve. RGCs were also confirmed by immunofluorescent staining with a TUJ-1 monoclonal antibody. In addition to the rod and cone degeneration, we observed the astrocyte infiltration of the optic disc due to the damage of small RGCs and nerve fibres and atrophy of small optic nerve fibres. They subsequently lead to the optic disc excavation and atrophy of the optic nerve. Consequently, our histopathological study clarified that not only the outer retina but also the inner retina, the optic disc, and the optic nerve were also affected in the late stages of RP rabbit.

KEYWORDS:

• Optic disc
• optic nerve
• rabbit
• retinal ganglion cell
• retinitis pigmentosa

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Mr. Robert E. Brandt for editing the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI, grant number JP16K21346.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI, grant number JP16K21346.