Sigma-1 receptor regulates mitochondrial function in glucose-and oxygen-deprived retinal ganglion cells

Dorette Z. Ellis, Linya Li, Yong Park, Shaoqing He, Brett Mueller, Thomas Yorio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE. Understanding the role of mitochondria in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is relevant to human disease as studies have shown mitochondrial abnormalities in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. This study seeks to determine the effects of the sigma-1 receptor (σ-1r) and its agonists on mitochondrial function in oxygen-and glucose-deprived (OGD) purified neonatal RGCs. METHODS. Retinal ganglion cells were isolated from rat pups and subjected to OGD in varying conditions in the presence or absence of σ-1r agonist and antagonist and following addition of an AAV2-σ-1r vector that was used to increase σ-1r expression. Western blots and immunofluorescence microscopy validated findings. Mitochondrial function was determined by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) using the dye, fluorescence tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide (JC-1), and determination of cytochrome c oxidase activity using a cytochrome c oxidase assay kit. Caspase 3 and 7 activities were also measured using a luminescent assay kit. RESULTS. Oxygen and glucose deprivation in RGCs resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c oxidase activity when compared with normoxic RGCs. σ-1r agonists or overexpression of the σ-1r restored the mitochondrial membrane potential comparable to normoxic conditions, while σ-1r antagonists abolished these effects. Oxygen and glucose depreavtation induced decreases in cytochrome c activity were partially restored by overexpression or activation of σ-1r. Caspase activity was increased in response to OGD and was decreased by the addition of σ-1r agonist, pentazocine, and following σ-1r overexpression. CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that activation and/or overexpression of σ-1r restores RGCs mitochondrial function following OGD and that mitochondrial function is vital to the function of RGCs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2755-2764
Number of pages10
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume58
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2017

Keywords

  • Mitochondria
  • Oxygen and glucose deprived
  • Retinal ganglion cells
  • Sigma-1 receptor

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sigma-1 receptor regulates mitochondrial function in glucose-and oxygen-deprived retinal ganglion cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this