Hyperosmolarity-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential of the retinal pigment epithelium

1985 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mukoh ◽  
K. Kawasaki ◽  
D. Yonemura ◽  
J. Tanabe
1984 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
E R Griff ◽  
R H Steinberg

We describe here a new retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) response, a delayed hyperpolarization of the RPE basal membrane, which is initiated by the light-evoked decrease of [K+]o in the subretinal space. This occurs in addition to an apical hyperpolarization previously described in cat (Steinberg et al., 1970; Schmidt and Steinberg, 1971) and in bullfrog (Oakley et al., 1977; Oakley, 1977). Intracellular and extracellular potentials and measurements of subretinal [K+]o were recorded from an in vitro preparation of neural retina-RPE-choroid from the lizard Gekko gekko in response to light. Extracellularly, the potential across the RPE, the transepithelial potential (TEP), first increased and then decreased during illumination. Whereas the light-evoked decrease in [K+]o predicted the increase in TEP, the subsequent decrease in TEP was greater than predicted by the reaccumulation of [K+]o. Intracellular RPE recordings showed that a delayed hyperpolarization generated at the RPE basal membrane produced the extra TEP decrease. At light offset, the opposite sequence of membrane potential changes occurred. RPE responses to changes in [K+]o were studied directly in the isolated gecko RPE-choroid. Decreasing [K+]o in the apical bathing solution produced first a hyperpolarization of the apical membrane, followed by a delayed hyperpolarization of the basal membrane, a sequence of membrane potential changes identical to those evoked by light. Increasing [K+]o produced the opposite sequence of membrane potential changes. In both preparations, the delayed basal membrane potentials were accompanied by changes in basal membrane conductance. The mechanism by which a change in extracellular [K+] outside the apical membrane leads to a polarization of the basal membrane remains to be determined.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Maria Elisabetta Clementi ◽  
Giuseppe Maulucci ◽  
Giada Bianchetti ◽  
Michela Pizzoferrato ◽  
Beatrice Sampaolese ◽  
...  

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a densely pigmented, monostratified epithelium that provides metabolic and functional support to the outer segments of photoreceptors. Endogenous or exogenous oxidative stimuli determine a switch from physiological to pathological conditions, characterized by an increase of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulating evidence has elucidated that punicalagin (PUN), the major ellagitannin in pomegranate, is a potent antioxidant in several cell types. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PUN on mitochondrial dysfunction associated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, we used a human RPE cell line (ARPE–19) exposed to H2O2 for 24 h. The effects of PUN pre–treatment (24 h) were examined on cell viability, mitochondrial ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiratory chain complexes, then finally on caspase–3 enzymatic activity. The results showed that supplementation with PUN: (a) significantly increased cell viability; (b) kept the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) at healthy levels and limited ROS production; (c) preserved the activity of respiratory complexes; (d) reduced caspase–3 activity. In conclusion, due to its activity in helping mitochondrial functions, reducing oxidative stress, and subsequent induction of cellular apoptosis, PUN might be considered a useful nutraceutical agent in the treatment of oxidation–associated disorders of RPE.


Author(s):  
G.E. Korte ◽  
M. Marko ◽  
G. Hageman

Sodium iodate iv. damages the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in rabbits. Where RPE does not regenerate (e.g., 1,2) Muller glial cells (MC) forma subretinal scar that replaces RPE. The MC response was studied by HVEM in 3D computer reconstructions of serial thick sections, made using the STEREC0N program (3), and the HVEM at the NYS Dept. of Health in Albany, NY. Tissue was processed for HVEM or immunofluorescence localization of a monoclonal antibody recognizing MG microvilli (4).


Marine Drugs ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Peeraporn Varinthra ◽  
Shun-Ping Huang ◽  
Supin Chompoopong ◽  
Zhi-Hong Wen ◽  
Ingrid Y. Liu

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that causes irreversible impairment of central vision, and effective treatment is not yet available. Extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in drusen that lie under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been reported as one of the early signs of AMD and was found in more than 60% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Extracellular deposition of Aβ can induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS in RPE cells. Thus, finding a compound that can effectively reduce the inflammatory response may help the treatment of AMD. In this research, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the coral-derived compound 4-(phenylsulfanyl) butan-2-one (4-PSB-2) on Aβ1-42 oligomer (oAβ1-42) added to the human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19). Our results demonstrated that 4-PSB-2 can decrease the elevated expressions of TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS via NF-κB signaling in ARPE-19 cells treated with oAβ1-42 without causing any cytotoxicity or notable side effects. This study suggests that 4-PSB-2 is a promising drug candidate for attenuation of AMD.


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