Nestin expression in Müller glial cells in rat retina following optic nerve transection

Abstract

• Aim: To explore the expression of nestin in rat retina following optic nerve transection and its significance. • Methods: Optic nerve transection mode was made to examined the reactive changes of Müller glial cells. Three rats were killed at each of the points at 1, 3, 7 days post-operation for sagital sections. Double labeled immunofluorescence was used to ascertain the cellular localization and the change of nestin in retina. Total RNA was extracted from the retina from the experimental and control rats for Real-time PCR analysis. • Results: Nestin-positive staining was negligible in Müller glial cells of the adult rat retina. After 1 day, the Müller cells appeared induced nestin expression; After 3 days, nestin in Müller cells further enhanced; After 1 week, nestin in Müller cells remained at a relatively high level, Real-time PCR semi-quantitative analysis with the above results. • Conclusion: Present results suggest that the induced expression of nestin in Müller glial cells is a reactive change in retinae subjected to optic nerve transection. The induced expression of nestin in Müller glial cells especially at their end-feet suggests a potential neuroprotective mechanism in neuronal degeneration.