Event Title
Protective Effects of nAChRs by Application of an Allosteric Modulator and nAChR Agonist to Retinal Ganglion Cells
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biomedical Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies
Mentor Information
David Linn
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Location
Kirkhof Center KC28
Start Date
10-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 11:00 AM
Keywords
Life Science
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina in the eye to the brain's visual centers. Loss of RGCS is the hallmark of glaucoma- a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activation on RGCs provides protection from cell death in several animal models. We studied the protective effects of nAChRs by applying a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) with a selective nAChR agonist to isolated RGCs. PAMs should allow increased survival of RGCs by enhancing activity of nAChRs. We exposed RGCs to various concentrations of agonist and PAM for 3 days. Cell viability was determined by counting live cells with fluorescence microscope techniques. To determine if the effects seen in isolated RGCs translates to retinal tissue, we have begun culturing retinal explants under similar conditions. PAMs have been used safely at other targets in the brain and could lead to effective glaucoma treatments.
Protective Effects of nAChRs by Application of an Allosteric Modulator and nAChR Agonist to Retinal Ganglion Cells
Kirkhof Center KC28
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina in the eye to the brain's visual centers. Loss of RGCS is the hallmark of glaucoma- a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activation on RGCs provides protection from cell death in several animal models. We studied the protective effects of nAChRs by applying a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) with a selective nAChR agonist to isolated RGCs. PAMs should allow increased survival of RGCs by enhancing activity of nAChRs. We exposed RGCs to various concentrations of agonist and PAM for 3 days. Cell viability was determined by counting live cells with fluorescence microscope techniques. To determine if the effects seen in isolated RGCs translates to retinal tissue, we have begun culturing retinal explants under similar conditions. PAMs have been used safely at other targets in the brain and could lead to effective glaucoma treatments.