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Review
. 2014:801:669-75.
doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_84.

Role of endothelial cell and pericyte dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy: review of techniques in rodent models

Jonathan Chou  1 , Stuart Rollins, Amani A Fawzi
Affiliations
Review

Role of endothelial cell and pericyte dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy: review of techniques in rodent models

Jonathan Chou et al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014.

Abstract

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the hallmark microvascular diseases secondary to diabetes. Endothelial cells and pericytes are key players in the pathogenesis. Interaction between the two cell types is important in the regulation of vascular function and the maintenance of the retinal homeostatic environment. There are currently several approaches to analyze changes in morphology and function of the two cell types. Morphologic approaches include trypsin digest, while functional approaches include studying blood flow. This review explores the advantages and limitations of various methods and summarizes recent experimental studies of EC and pericyte dysfunction in rodent models of DR. An improved understanding of the role played by EC and pericyte dysfunction can lead to enhanced insights into retinal vascular regulation in DR and open new avenues for future treatments that reverse their dysfunction.

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Figures

Fig. 84.1
Fig. 84.1
Trypsin digest. Flat mount mouse retina stained with H&E. a db/m mouse, normal retina (20 ×). b db/db mouse, capillary degeneration (white arrow) (500 ×). c db/m mouse, EC (white arrow) and pericyte (black arrow) highlighted (600 ×). d C57Bl6 mouse, insufficient removal of non-vascular tissue leading to impaired visualization of the blood vessels
Fig. 84.2
Fig. 84.2
Blood flow changes in STZ- rats based on different techniques: Radioactive tracer (RT), Intravital microscopy (IVM), Fluorescein Angiography (FA), Hydrogen Clearance (HC), and Microsphere Tracer (MT). Notice conflicting data at 1 week and 3–6 weeks
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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