Melanocortin receptor agonists MCR1-5 protect photoreceptors from high-glucose damage and restore antioxidant enzymes in primary retinal cell culture

作者：Maisto Rosa; Gesualdo Carlo; Trotta Maria Consiglia; Grieco Paolo; Testa Francesco; Simonelli Francesca; Miquel Barcia Jorge; D' Amico Michele; Di Filippo Clara; Rossi Settimio

来源：JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, 2017, 21(5): 968-974.

DOI：10.1111/jcmm.13036

• hyperglycaemia
• oxidative stress
• primary retinal cell cultures
• photoreceptors
• melanocortin receptor agonists

Retinal photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable to local high-glucose concentrations. Oxidative stress is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy development. Melanocortin receptors represent a family of G-protein-coupled receptors classified in five subtypes and are expressed in retina. Our previous data indicate that subtypes 1 and 5 receptor agonists exert a protective role on experimental diabetic retinopathy. This study focuses on their role in primary retinal cell cultures in high-glucose concentrations. After eye enucleation from wild-type male C57BL/6 mice, retinal cells were isolated, plated in high-glucose concentration and treated with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists and antagonists. Immunocytochemical and biochemical analysis showed that treatment with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and enhanced manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels, preserving photoreceptor integrity. According with these evidences, we propose a major role of melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 on primary retinal cell response against high glucose or oxidative insults.

• 出版日期2017-5