Journal article
Loss of Function of P2X7 Receptor Scavenger Activity in Aging Mice: A Novel Model for Investigating the Early Pathogenesis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
KA Vessey, BJ Gu, AI Jobling, JA Phipps, U Greferath, MX Tran, MA Dixon, PN Baird, RH Guymer, JS Wiley, EL Fletcher
American Journal of Pathology | ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC | Published : 2017
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible, severe vision loss in Western countries. Recently, we identified a novel pathway involving P2X7 receptor scavenger function expressed on ocular immune cells as a risk factor for advanced AMD. In this study, we investigate the effect of loss of P2X7 receptor function on retinal structure and function during aging. P2X7-null and wild-type C57bl6J mice were investigated at 4, 12, and 18 months of age for macrophage phagocytosis activity, ocular histological changes, and retinal function. Phagocytosis activity of blood-borne macrophages decreased with age at 18 months in the wild-type mouse. Lack of P2X7 receptor function..
View full abstractGrants
Awarded by State Government of Victoria
Funding Acknowledgements
Supported by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) P2X7-grants APP1061419 (E.L.F., K.A.V., BIG., and R.H.G.) and APP1120095 (R.H.G, E.L.F. B.J.G, and K.A.V); the Macular Disease Foundation of Australia, 2013 (ELF., K.A.V., B.J.G., R.H.G., and P.N.B.); NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship number 1028444 (P.N.B.); and NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship number 1103013 (R.H.G.). The Center for Eye Research Australia receives operational infrastructure support from the Victorian government.