Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Introduction: Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS) is linked to various eye diseases. While it has been suggested that ARBs exert beneficial effects by mainly lowering intraocular pressure, their potential involvement in the regulation of blood flow warrants further investigation. Porcine eyes provide a promising model for studying retinal artery physiology due to their similarity to human eyes, however the presence of the RAAS has not been confirmed in the porcine eye. \nMethods: Western blots were conducted to determine the presence of AT1 and AT2 receptors in porcine retinal arteries. Localization was done using immunofluorescence. Finally, in vitro dual wire myography with agonists and antagonists was used to evaluate their effects on wall tension. \nResults: Western blots showed unspecific binding. Immunofluorescence suggested AT1 antibody colocalization with Müller cells and the endothelium, while the AT2 antibody exhibited a slight binding to the outer plexiform layer. Myography displayed a vasodilatory response to AT1 blockers (p<0.05). Agonists were ineffective. \nDiscussions: The antibodies’ specificity is uncertain due to additional bands in the western blots. However, localization was similar to those found in previous studies in humans and the myography findings suggest that the RAAS plays an active role in regulating vascular tone in porcine retinal arteries.
Source: Skemman
Author: Egill Ívarsson
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7011102245