Suppression of SNARE-dependent exocytosis in retinal glial cells and its effect on ischemia-induced neurodegeneration

Abstract

Nervous tissue is characterized by a tight structural association between glial cells and neurons. It is well known that glial cells support neuronal functions, but their role under pathologic conditions is less well understood. Here, we addressed this question in vivo using an experimental model of retinal ischemia and transgenic mice for glia-specific inhibition of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-dependent exocytosis. Transgene expression reduced glutamate, but not ATP release from single Müller cells, impaired glial volume regulation under normal conditions and reduced neuronal dysfunction and death in the inner retina during the early stages of ischemia. Our study reveals that the SNARE-dependent exocytosis in glial cells contributes to neurotoxicity during ischemia in vivo and suggests glial exocytosis as a target for therapeutic approaches.

Main Points

• SNARE-dependent exocytosis was observed in retinal Müller glial cells.
• Glutamate is released by exocytosis whereas ATP release is likely to be nonvesicular.
• Suppression of SNARE-dependent exocytosis in glial cells has a neuroprotective effect.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2nAXbWA
via IFTTT