A developmental defect in astrocytes inhibits programmed regression of the hyaloid vasculature in the mammalian eye.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2011

Abstract

Previously we reported the novel observation that astrocytes ensheath the persistent hyaloid artery, both in the Nuc1 spontaneous mutant rat, and in human PFV (persistent fetal vasculature) disease (Developmental Dynamics 234:36-47, 2005). We now show that astrocytes isolated from both the optic nerve and retina of Nuc1 rats migrate faster than wild type astrocytes. Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), the major water channel in astrocytes, has been shown to be important in astrocyte migration. We demonstrate that AQP4 expression is elevated in the astrocytes in PFV conditions, and we hypothesize that this causes the cells to migrate abnormally into the vitreous where they ensheath the hyaloid artery. This abnormal association of astrocytes with the hyaloid artery may impede the normal macrophage-mediated remodeling and regression of the hyaloid system.

Volume

90

Issue

5

First Page

440

Last Page

448

ISSN

1618-1298

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

21354650

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS