Role of Endothelial Cell and Pericyte Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy: Review of Techniques in Rodent Models

Abstract

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the hallmark microvascular diseases secondary to diabetes. Endothelial cells and pericytes are key players in the pathogenesis. Interaction between the two cell types is important in the regulation of vascular function and the maintenance of the retinal homeostatic environment. There are currently several approaches to analyze changes in morphology and function of the two cell types. Morphologic approaches include trypsin digest, while functional approaches include studying blood flow. This review explores the advantages and limitations of various methods and summarizes recent experimental studies of EC and pericyte dysfunction in rodent models of DR. An improved understanding of the role played by EC and pericyte dysfunction can lead to enhanced insights into retinal vascular regulation in DR and open new avenues for future treatments that reverse their dysfunction.

Retinopathy with central oedema in an INS C94Y transgenic pig model of long-term diabetes

“…Blood glucose levels were determined once or twice daily using a glucometer. In addition, fructosamine levels were monitored as an adequate evaluation of medium-term glucose control in pigs [14,15]. Fructosamine levels were determined in EDTA-plasma using an AU480 Autoanalyzer and an adapted reagent kit from Beckman-Coulter (Krefeld, Germany).…”

Seeing through VEGF: innate and adaptive immunity in pathological angiogenesis in the eye

“…The earliest manifestation of diabetic retinopathy is in the form of pericyte loss that leads to instability of the retinal capillaries, formation of capillary microaneurysms, development of ischemic zones within the retina, and capillary leakage with subsequent retinal exudation and edema. Progressive damage to retinal microvascular network leads to tissue ischemia, upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and retinal neovascularization characterized by the development of new retinal and pre-retinal vascular fronds [3]. …”

Investigating the influence of chromatic aberration and optical illumination bandwidth on fundus imaging in rats

“…[1][2][3][4] Rodent models provide cost-effective ways to investigate the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies in visual impairing diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. [5][6][7] Histological examination is commonly used to visualize subtle structural and functional changes in retinal tissue during disease progressions and treatments. 8 However, histological examinations are limited to terminal studies.…”