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Protein kinase C expression in the rabbit retina after laser photocoagulation

  • Laboratory Investigation
  • Published:
Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Laser photocoagulation is a well-established treatment for diabetic retinopathy but the mechanism behind its effectiveness has not been elucidated. The protein kinase C (PKC) family is a group of enzymes which has been the subject of extensive interest in clinically related research since the advent of its role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. With this study we wanted to explore whether PKC expression is altered in the retina after laser photocoagulation.

Methods

Normal rabbit eyes were treated with laser photocoagulation of varying intensity and examined after 30 min to 7 weeks. Treated and untreated regions of the retina were investigated histologically with the MC5 monoclonal antibody against PKC. Labeling for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to assess the laser-induced trauma.

Results

In the normal retina, the MC5 antibody labeled rod bipolar cells and photoreceptor outer segments corresponding to PKC alpha. A translocated PKC expression with labeling concentrated in the rod bipolar terminals was seen in specimens examined 30 min after laser treatment, and after 1 week, no expression was seen in any part of the retina. After 2 weeks, PKC expression again indicated a translocated labeling pattern. After 5 weeks, labeling was found only in rod bipolar terminals in the peripheral retina. When comparing high- and low-intensity laser treatment 7 weeks postoperatively, no labeling was found in the high intensity-treated retinas, whereas low intensity-treated eyes displayed a near-normal labeling pattern. H&E staining revealed focal neuroretinal edema immediately after laser treatment, also in untreated areas. At later stages, destruction of the outer nuclear layer and migration of pigment epithelial cells in laser-lesioned areas was seen. GFAP-labeled Müller cells were seen 1 week postoperatively in the entire retina. Labeling after this time decreased, but was still present in laser spots after 5 and 7 weeks.

Conclusions

Laser photocoagulation alters the expression of PKC in the entire normal rabbit retina. The response follows a temporal pattern and is also related to laser intensity. These findings may help to explain the high efficacy of laser treatment in diabetic retinopathy.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend their gratitude towards Karin Arnér for her skilled technical assistance. This study was supported by The Faculty of Medicine, University of Lund, the Swedish Research Council, the Princess Margaretas Foundation for Blind Children, the 2nd ONCE International Award for New Technologies for the Blind, and the Thorsten and Elsa Segerfalk Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Lund University Hospital, 22185, Lund, Sweden

    Fredrik Ghosh & Karin Gjörloff

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  1. Fredrik Ghosh
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  2. Karin Gjörloff
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Correspondence to Fredrik Ghosh.

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The authors have no financial relationship with any supporting organization.

The authors have full control of all primary data and agree to allow Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology to review their data if requested.

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Ghosh, F., Gjörloff, K. Protein kinase C expression in the rabbit retina after laser photocoagulation. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 243, 803–810 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-004-1112-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-004-1112-7

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