Biology subjects

Loewen, R. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Loewen, R. T..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

Ripasudil in a model of pigmentary glaucoma

PurposeTo investigate the effects of Ripasudil (K-115), a Rho-kinase inhibitor, in a porcine model of pigmentary glaucoma. MethodsHallmark features of trabecular meshwork (TM), the principle structure of the outflow system affected in this model, were analyzed. In vitro TM cells and ex vivo perfused eyes were subjected to pigment dispersion followed by K-115 treatment (PK115). PK115 was compared to sham-treated controls (C) and pigment (P). Cytoskeletal alterations were assessed by F-actin labeling. TM cell phagocytosis of fluorescent targets was evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell migration was studied with a wound-healing assay. Intraocular pressure was continuously monitored and compared to after the establishment of the pigmentary glaucoma model and after treatment with K-115. ResultsIn vitro, the percentage of cells with stress fibers increased in response to pigment but declined sharply after treatment with K-115 (P: 32.8 +/- 2.9%; PK115: 11.6 +/- 3.3%, P < 0.001). Phagocytosis first declined but recovered after K-115 (P: 25.7+/-2.1%, PK115: 33.4+/-0.8%, P <0.01). Migration recuperated at 12h with K-115 treatment (P: 19.1+/-4.6 cells/high-power field, PK115: 42.5+/-1.6 cells/high-power field, P <0.001). Ex vivo, eyes became hypertensive from pigment dispersion but were normotensive after treatment with K-115 (P: 20.3 +/- 1.2 mmHg, PK115: 8.9 +/- 1.7 mmHg; P< 0.005). ConclusionIn vitro, K-115 reduced TM stress fibers, restored phagocytosis, and restored migration of TM cells. Ex vivo, K-115 normalized intraocular pressure.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2017

Intraocular pressure elevation precedes a phagocytosis decline in a model of pigmentary glaucoma

PurposeOutflow regulation and phagocytosis are key functions of the trabecular meshwork (TM), but it is not clear how the two are related in secondary open angle glaucomas characterized by an increased particle load. We hypothesized that diminished TM phagocytosis is not the primary cause of early ocular hypertension and recreated pigment dispersion in a porcine ex vivo model.\n\nMaterials and MethodsSixteen porcine anterior chamber cultures received a continuous infusion of pigment granules (P), while 16 additional anterior chambers served as controls (C). Pressure transducers recorded the intraocular pressure (IOP). The phagocytic capacity of the trabecular meshwork was determined by fluorescent microspheres.\n\nResultsThe baseline IOPs in P and C were similar (P=0.82). A significant IOP elevation occurred in P at 48, 120, and 180 hours (all P<0.01, compared to baseline). The pigment did not cause a reduction in TM phagocytosis at 48 hours, when the earliest IOP elevation occurred, but at 120 hours onward (P=0.001 compared to C). This reduction did not result in an additional IOP increase at 120 or 180 hours compared to the first IOP elevation at 48 hours (P>0.05).\n\nConclusionIn this porcine model of pigmentary glaucoma, an IOP elevation occurs much earlier than when phagocytosis fails, suggesting that two separate mechanisms might be at work.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Trabecular Meshwork Failure In A Model Of Pigmentary Glaucoma

Pigment dispersion syndrome can lead to pigmentary glaucoma (PG), a poorly understood condition of younger, myopic eyes with fluctuating, high intraocular pressure (IOP). The absence of a model similar in size and behavior to human eyes has made it difficult to investigate its pathogenesis. Here, we present a porcine ex vivo model that recreates the features of PG including intraocular hypertension, pigment accumulation in the trabecular meshwork and relative failure of phagocytosis. In in vitro monolayer cultures as well as in ex vivo eye perfusion cultures, we found that the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells that regulate outflow, form actin stress fibers and have a decreased phagocytosis. Gene expression microarray and pathway analysis indicated key roles of RhoA in regulating the TM cytoskeleton, motility, and phagocytosis thereby providing new targets for PG therapy.

cell biology↗