The localization of PGE2 receptor subtypes in rat retinal cultures and the neuroprotective effect of the EP2 agonist butaprost.

It is concluded from immunohistochemical that all four types of prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) receptors are associated with specific cell-types in primary rat retinal cultures. Analysis specifically of EP2 receptor immunoreactivity shows it to coexist with some neurones expressing Thy-1 and calbindin immunoreactivities as well as with vimentin-positive Müller cells. Moreover, exposure of cultures to the EP2 specific agonist butaprost (100 nM) for a period of 24h results in a generation of cAMP thus providing support for the functionality of EP2 receptors. Cell survival was significantly affected in cultures where the serum concentration was reduced from 10 to 1% for 24h. This was reflected by a reduction in the number of GABA-positive neurons and an elevation of released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture medium. Moreover, a number of cells displayed a clear generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a staining for the breakdown of DNA by the TUNEL procedure as an indicator for apoptosis. These negative effects were attenuated when butaprost (100 nM) was present during the serum reduction and 30 min before the insult. The present studies provide evidence to show that all PGE(2) receptor types exist in the retina of rat pups, remain functional when the retinal cells are cultured and that specific activation of EP2 receptors with butaprost can attenuate a detrimental insult caused by insufficient serum that may occur in situ by reduced trophic support.