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Histochemical localisation of mitochondrial enzyme activity in human optic nerve and retina

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Richard Andrews, Philip Griffiths, Dr Margaret Johnson, Emeritus Professor Doug Turnbull

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Abstract

Aims-To demonstrate the quantitative distribution of mitochondrial enzymes within the human optic nerve and retina in relation to the pathogenesis of ophthalmic disease. Methods-Enucleations were performed at the time of multiple organ donation and the optic nerve and peripapillary retina immediately excised en bloc and frozen. Reactivities of the mitochondrial enzymes cytochrome c oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase were demonstrated in serial cryostat sections using specific histochemical assays. Results-In the optic nerve the unmyelinated prelaminar and laminar regions were rich in both cytochrome c oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase. Myelination of fibres as they exited the lamina cribrosa was associated with an abrupt reduction in enzyme activity. Within the retina, high levels of enzyme activity were found localised within the retinal ganglion cells and nerve fibre layer, the outer plexiform layer, inner segments of photoreceptors, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Conclusions-Mitochondrial enzyme activity is preserved in human optic nerve and retina retrieved at the time of multiple organ donation. The distribution of enzyme activity within the eye has implications for the understanding of the pattern of ophthalmic involvement seen in mitochondrial diseases and the site of ganglion cell dysfunction in those patients with optic nerve involvement.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Andrews RM; Johnson MA; Turnbull DM; Griffiths PG

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Ophthalmology

Year: 1999

Volume: 83

Issue: 2

Pages: 231-235

Print publication date: 01/02/1999

ISSN (print): 0007-1161

ISSN (electronic):

Publisher: BMJ Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjo.83.2.231

DOI: 10.1136/bjo.83.2.231


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