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Mitochondrial abnormalities in ageing macular photoreceptors.
- Source :
-
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science [Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci] 2001 Nov; Vol. 42 (12), pp. 3016-22. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
Abstract
- Purpose: To evaluate somatic mitochondrial (mt)DNA mutations in the macula during ageing.<br />Methods: Ten 30-microm cryostat sections from the macula (foveal and perifoveal regions) and peripheral retina of 14 donors (aged 14-94 years) were cut for cytochrome c oxidase cytochemistry. The photoreceptor layer was microdissected and DNA extracted for 4977-bp mtDNA (mtDNA(4977)) quantification using PCR. Dual cytochemistry for cytochrome c oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase allowed the detection of cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cones.<br />Results: Findings showed a progressive accumulation of mtDNA(4977) from ages 14 to 94 years. From ages 14 to 60 years there was an increase from 0.006% to 0.25%, and from ages 60 to 94 years there was a steeper increase from 0.25% to 5.39%. Counts of cones in the dual-reacted preparations showed more cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cones in the foveal region than elsewhere.<br />Conclusions: The results show that mitochondrial DNA deletions and cytochrome c oxidase-deficient cones accumulate in the ageing retina, particularly in the foveal region. These defects may contribute to the changes in macular function observed in ageing and age-related maculopathy.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cell Count
DNA Mutational Analysis
Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
Female
Gene Deletion
Humans
Macular Degeneration enzymology
Male
Middle Aged
Mitochondria metabolism
Aging genetics
Cytochrome-c Oxidase Deficiency metabolism
DNA, Mitochondrial genetics
Macular Degeneration genetics
Mitochondria genetics
Mutation
Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0146-0404
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Investigative ophthalmology & visual science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11687550