Purpose: Ocular autonomic control is mediated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres. Their interactions are complemented by primary afferent nerve fibers of and intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICN). As the vasodilatative neuropeptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), is expressed in extrinsic and intrinsic ocular neurons, it is of special interest in ophthalmic research. Since circadian changes of ocular blood flow are known in humans and birds, this study aimed at investigating VIP expression at different daytimes in chicken choroid, the preferred model species in ICN research.

Methods: 12 eyes of 12 chickens were retrieved, slaughtered at 8.00-9.30 a.m. (n = 6) and 8.00 p.m. (n = 6), respectively, and choroidal wholemounts were prepared for immunofluorescence of VIP. VIP-positive ICN of both groups were quantified and density of VIP-positive axons assessed semi-quantitatively. In 28 additional eyes retrieved in the morning (n = 14) and evening (n = 14), choroidal VIP content was determined by ELISA. Morning and evening data were analyzed statistically. NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d, ICN cell marker) was done at additional 12 whole mount choroids of 12 chicken, retrieved in the morning (n = 6) and evening (n = 6).

Results: (1) Numbers of VIP positive neurons differed significantly between morning: (239.17 ± 113.9) and evening: (550.83 ± 245.7; p = 0.018). (2) Numbers of VIP-positive perikarya were significantly more accumulated in the temporal part of the choroid in the evening than in the morning (p = 0.026). (3) VIP positive axon density was found to be similar throughout the choroid in the morning and evening. (4) Number of NADPH-d positive neurons was not significantly different between morning (848.8 ± 399.5) and evening (945.8 ± 622.1, p > 0.05). (5) ELISA demonstrated a significant difference of VIP content (p = 0.012) in tissues harvested in the morning (145.41 ± 43.3 pg/ml) compared to evening (221.44 ± 106.3 pg/ml).

Conclusions: As VIP positive axon density was similar in the morning and the evening throughout the choroid, PPG and ICN seemed to contribute equally to the axon network. Yet, changes in the total choroidal VIP content, the numbers of VIP positive perikarya, reflecting the intracellular VIP content, and their topographical distribution at two different days-times argue for a different status of activation of both neuronal sources in contrast to the equal amount of NADPHD-d positive neurons. The higher VIP content in the evening, compared to the morning, correlates with a known circadian rhythm of a lower IOP and a higher choroidal thickness at night. Thus, these changes may argue for a potential role of ICN in the regulation of ocular homeostasis and integrity.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2018.01.027DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

vip content
20
vip positive
16
vip
13
morning evening
12
positive neurons
12
morning
10
evening
10
intrinsic choroidal
8
choroidal neurons
8
retrieved morning
8

Similar Publications

Purpose: To conduct a scoping review of the related research on cognitive frailty (CF) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, so as to provide a basis for early diagnosis, treatment and intervention of CF in MHD patients.

Methods: Utilizing a scoping review approach, we searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu (VIP) for literature on CF in MHD patients up to October 20, 2024. Two researchers conducted independent screening and data extraction of the literature's fundamental characteristics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: A systematic review is a type of literature review that uses rigorous methods to synthesize evidence from multiple studies on a specific topic. It is widely used in academia, including medical and social science research. Social science is an academic discipline that focuses on human behaviour and society.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The role of the gut microbiota and the nicotinate/nicotinamide pathway in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity.

Curr Res Toxicol

December 2024

Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.

Rotenone is a natural compound from plants. It is widely used in pesticides because of highly toxic to insects and fish. However, lots of research has reported that rotenone has neurotoxic effects in humans.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The predictive value of prostate spherical volume ratio in lower urinary tract symptoms and clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a retrospective cohort study.

Int Urol Nephrol

January 2025

Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, No. 150 Jimo Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200120, China.

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of Prostate Spherical Volume Ratio for Lower urinary tract symptoms and clinical progression of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. And compared with other prostatic anatomical parameters.

Methods: A total of 154 patients with Benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent MRI and urodynamics were included in the study, while prostate anatomical parameters such as prostate spherical volume ratio, prostate volume, intravesical prostatic protrusion, prostatic urethral length and presumed circle area ratio were determined based on MRI measurements.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Exosomes-encapsulated biomimetic polydopamine carbon dots with dual-targeting effect alleviate motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease via anti-neuroinflammation.

Int J Biol Macromol

January 2025

Henan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China. Electronic address:

Currently, the clinical drugs for Parkinson's disease (PD) only focus on motor symptoms, while non-motor symptoms like depression are usually neglected. Even though, the efficacy of existing neurotherapeutic drugs is extremely poor which is due to the blood brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, a biomimetic polydopamine carbon dots (PDA C-dots) at 2-4 nm was synthesized, while exosomes from macrophages were applied to encapsulate PDA C-dots for improving their BBB-crossing ability and inflammation-targeting effect.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!