Mechanistic insights into the antipruritic effects of lebrikizumab, an anti-IL-13 mAb.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with persistent and severe itch among its hallmark features. Significant increases in type 2 cytokines (ie, IL-4, IL-13, IL-31) have been documented in acute atopic dermatitis lesions and lead to multifaceted downstream effects, including inflammation, epidermal barrier dysfunction, and itch. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of preclinical studies reported here was to test direct effects of IL-13 and an anti-IL-13 mAb, lebrikizumab, in a human dorsal root ganglion model in itch amplification, neuronal excitability, and transcriptional downstream targets. METHODS: Neuroactive effects were assessed via live cell calcium imaging, electric field stimulation, and RNA sequencing of human dorsal root ganglia stimulated with IL-13 alone or in combination with lebrikizumab. RESULTS: These preclinical findings suggest that IL-13 plays a direct enhancer role in multiple itch and neuroactive pathways as well as transcriptional downstream effects, and provide key insights into the mechanistic basis for lebrikizumab's anti-itch effects. CONCLUSION: IL-13 is a potent enhancer of neuronal responses to different itch stimuli, consistent with the neuroimmune axis contributing to chronic itch-associated inflammatory skin disease, and blockade of this cytokine pathway may provide a therapeutic approach.

Observation of Silicone Oil Within the Vitreous and Sclera Following Intravitreal Administration of Biotherapeutics Using Insulin Syringes in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

Silicone oil droplets have been reported in the eyes of human patients following intravitreous (IVT) injections with several marketed biotherapeutic products. Intravitreous administration of a novel biotherapeutic in a 14-week cynomolgus monkey study using insulin syringes was associated with 2, non-test-article-related phenomena: "vitreous floater/clear sphere" on indirect ophthalmoscopy and intrascleral "foreign material near injection track" on histopathology. Retrospective analysis of 81 other preclinical studies of IVT administration of novel biotherapeutics found a greater frequency of clear spheres in monkey IVT studies using insulin syringes and formulations containing polysorbate. We were able to correlate microscopic findings of clear circular to oval areas in the sclera near the injection track with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) signal for silicon at the same location in the sclera. These observations provide further evidence that silicone lubricant in insulin syringes/needles is the source of clear spheres noted in the vitreous and foreign material noted near the injection track in the sclera. Although considered inert and toxicologically insignificant, silicone deposition within the eye should form part of the risk-benefit equation in a clinical setting.

Medical anti-glaucoma therapy: Beyond the drop.

Barriers to effective medical therapy are numerous and include difficulties with effective and sustained control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and adherence to prescribed anti-glaucoma drop regimens. In an effort to circumvent these challenges, a number of new anti-glaucoma therapies with sustained effects have emerged. Methods for sustained delivery of prostaglandin analogs are being intensely investigated and many are in human clinical trials. Intracameral devices include the following: Allergan's Durysta™ Bimatoprost SR, Envisia Therapeutics' ENV515 travoprost implant, Glaukos' iDose™ , Ocular Therapeutix's OTX-TIC travoprost implant, and Santen's polycaprolactone implant with PGE2-derivative DE-117. Other prostaglandin-based technologies include Allergan's bimatoprost ring (placed in the conjunctival fornix), Ocular Therapeutics' OTX-TP intracanalicular travoprost implant, subconjunctival latanoprost in a liposomal formulation, and the PGE2 derivative PGN 9856-isopropyl ester that is applied to the periorbital skin. Exciting breakthroughs in gene therapy include using viral vectors to correct defective genes such as MYOC or to modulate gonioimplant fibrosis, CRISPR technology to edit MYOC or to alter aquaporin to reduce aqueous humor production, and siRNA technology to silence specific genes. Stem cell technology can repopulate depleted tissues or, in the case of Neurotech's Renexus® NT-501 intravitreal implant, serve as a living drug delivery device that continuously secretes neurotrophic factors. Other unique approaches involve nanotechnology, nasal sprays that deliver drug directly to the optic nerve and noninvasive alternating current stimulation of surviving cells in the optic nerve. Over time these modalities are likely to challenge the preeminent role that drops currently play in the medical treatment of glaucoma in animals.

Evaluation of the effect of disposable tonometer cover brand on performance of Tono-Pen Vet in canine eyes.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of latex tip cover manufacturer on accuracy and repeatability of Tono-Pen Vet™ in canine eyes. ANIMAL STUDIED: Twelve enucleated globes from six dogs. PROCEDURES: The anterior chamber was cannulated and connected to a calibrated manometer. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained using the Tono-Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus at manometric IOP ranging from 5 to 80 mmHg. At each IOP, the Tono-Pen Vet was used with a new Ocu-Film™ latex tip cover (the only manufacturer-approved brand of cover) followed by a new Softips™ latex tip cover. For comparison, the TONOVET Plus was also used at each IOP with a new disposable rebound probe. Measured IOP values were analyzed by linear regression and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Tono-Pen Vet accuracy was unaffected by tip cover manufacturer or by frequent change in cover. Using ICC analysis, repeatability of measurements using either tonometer was good to excellent at physiologic IOP levels but variably decreased with both devices at supraphysiologic IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Neither tip cover manufacturer nor frequent changes in tip cover adversely affect Tono-Pen Vet accuracy. Measurement repeatability with Tono-Pen Vet and TONOVET Plus is widely variable at supraphysiologic IOP. Therefore, minor changes in IOP >25 mmHg should not be used to make clinical decisions without considering this variability.

Effects of 0.02% netarsudil ophthalmic solution on intraocular pressure of normotensive dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of QD or BID 0.02% netarsudil ophthalmic solution (Aerie Pharmaceuticals) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive dogs and to describe any adverse effects. ANIMALS STUDIED: Normotensive Labrador retriever dogs were included in this study: 10 received netarsudil in one eye and artificial tears in the contralateral eye QD, and 10 received netarsudil in one eye and artificial tears in the contralateral eye BID. PROCEDURES: Intraocular pressure curves were acquired over a 3-day acclimation period, 5-day dosing period (QD or BID-10 dogs/group), and 3-day recovery period. Toxicity was assessed daily using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and the semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring system. RESULTS: Once-daily dosing did not lower IOP over the entire 5-day dosing period (95% CI 0.1 to -0.9 mm Hg, P = .20) or on the last day of dosing (95% CI 0.4 to -0.9 mm Hg, P = .65). Twice-daily dosing resulted in a statistically significant, but clinically unimportant, IOP reduction over the entire 5-day dosing period (-0.6 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.05 to -1.1 mm Hg, P = .02) and on the last day of dosing (-0.9 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.2 to -1.5 mm Hg, P = .003). Adverse events were limited to transient mild-to-moderate conjunctival hyperemia during the dosing phase in eyes receiving netarsudil vs control (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution twice daily resulted in a small, statistically significant, but clinically unimportant, IOP reduction in normotensive dogs. Future studies should investigate efficacy in glaucomatous dogs.

Wound leakage rates of ex vivo uniplanar versus biplanar phacoemulsification clear corneal incisions in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the leakage rates of perilimbal uniplanar and biplanar clear corneal incisions in dogs when subjected to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) both from within the eye and via external pressure. PROCEDURE: Uniplanar clear corneal incisions were created in eight freshly enucleated canine eyes using a 3.2 mm straight slit knife while 8 fellow eyes received a biplanar clear corneal incision consisting of an approximately 300 µm deep groove followed by a 3.2 mm straight slit knife entry into the anterior chamber. Both wounds were reapposed using three simple interrupted 8-0 polyglactin 910 sutures. Eyes were cannulated with two 25 g needles: One connected to a pressure transducer, and the other connected to a reservoir of isotonic saline. The IOP at which the wound leaked was recorded when the intraocular pressure was increased internally by raising the height of the fluid bag, and again when the cornea was externally compressed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves compared incision types for each method of increasing IOP and were evaluated using Mantel-Cox log-rank analysis. RESULTS: Both wound types resisted leakage at IOP in the physiologically achievable range and no significant differences were observed between clear corneal incisions when pressure was applied externally (P = .353) or was increased from within the globe (P = .615). CONCLUSION: Ex vivo uniplanar and biplanar clear corneal incisions in dogs are equally strong, with no significant differences in leakage rates when IOP is increased internally or externally.

The future of canine glaucoma therapy.

Canine glaucoma is a group of disorders that are generally associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in a characteristic optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in dogs and may be either primary or secondary. Despite the growing spectrum of medical and surgical therapies, there is no cure, and many affected dogs go blind. Often eyes are enucleated because of painfully high, uncontrollable IOP. While progressive vision loss due to primary glaucoma is considered preventable in some humans, this is mostly not true for dogs. There is an urgent need for more effective, affordable treatment options. Because newly developed glaucoma medications are emerging at a very slow rate and may not be effective in dogs, work toward improving surgical options may be the most rewarding approach in the near term. This Viewpoint Article summarizes the discussions and recommended research strategies of both a Think Tank and a Consortium focused on the development of more effective therapies for canine glaucoma; both were organized and funded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation (ACVO-VAF). The recommendations consist of (a) better understanding of disease mechanisms, (b) early glaucoma diagnosis and disease staging, (c) optimization of IOP-lowering medical treatment, (d) new surgical therapies to control IOP, and (e) novel treatment strategies, such as gene and stem cell therapies, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration. In order to address these needs, increases in research funding specifically focused on canine glaucoma are necessary.

Bimatoprost sustained-release intracameral implant reduces episcleral venous pressure in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a bimatoprost sustained-release intracameral implant (Bimatoprost SR) on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) in normal dogs. METHODS: Normotensive beagle dogs were randomized to receive Bimatoprost SR 30 µg (n = 7) or sham injection (needle insertion only, n = 7) in one eye on day 1. EVP was measured with an episcleral venomanometer through day 65. Episcleral aqueous outflow vessels were identified using fluorescence imaging following intracameral injection of indocyanine green in one additional animal. A separate cohort of dogs that had been trained for conscious intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements received Bimatoprost SR 30 µg (n = 8) in one eye; IOP was evaluated through day 66. RESULTS: Baseline mean EVP was 10.0 mmHg in the Bimatoprost SR group and 10.4 mmHg in the sham group. Eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR exhibited a transient increase in mean EVP that peaked at day 8, followed by a decrease to levels below baseline. From day 29 to day 65, the change in mean EVP from baseline ranged from -2.4 to -3.9 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. sham). Baseline mean IOP in eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR was 14.9 mmHg, and a steady IOP reduction was maintained through day 66. Bimatoprost SR-treated eyes exhibited a selective, sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels that was not observed in sham-treated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In normal dogs, Bimatoprost SR was associated with a transient increase in EVP followed by a sustained decrease. Changes in EVP were accompanied by a sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels.

α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 inhibits human dorsal root ganglion neuroexcitability and mouse colonic nociception via GABAB receptors.

OBJECTIVE: α-Conotoxin Vc1.1 is a small disulfide-bonded peptide from the venom of the marine cone snail Conus victoriae. Vc1.1 has antinociceptive actions in animal models of neuropathic pain, but its applicability to inhibiting human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuroexcitability and reducing chronic visceral pain (CVP) is unknown. DESIGN: We determined the inhibitory actions of Vc1.1 on human DRG neurons and on mouse colonic sensory afferents in healthy and chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH) states. In mice, visceral nociception was assessed by neuronal activation within the spinal cord in response to noxious colorectal distension (CRD). Quantitative-reverse-transcription-PCR, single-cell-reverse-transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry determined γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABABR) and voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV2.2, CaV2.3) expression in human and mouse DRG neurons. RESULTS: Vc1.1 reduced the excitability of human DRG neurons, whereas a synthetic Vc1.1 analogue that is inactive at GABABR did not. Human DRG neurons expressed GABABR and its downstream effector channels CaV2.2 and CaV2.3. Mouse colonic DRG neurons exhibited high GABABR, CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 expression, with upregulation of the CaV2.2 exon-37a variant during CVH. Vc1.1 inhibited mouse colonic afferents ex vivo and nociceptive signalling of noxious CRD into the spinal cord in vivo, with greatest efficacy observed during CVH. A selective GABABR antagonist prevented Vc1.1-induced inhibition, whereas blocking both CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 caused inhibition comparable with Vc1.1 alone. CONCLUSIONS: Vc1.1-mediated activation of GABABR is a novel mechanism for reducing the excitability of human DRG neurons. Vc1.1-induced activation of GABABR on the peripheral endings of colonic afferents reduces nociceptive signalling. The enhanced antinociceptive actions of Vc1.1 during CVH suggest it is a novel candidate for the treatment for CVP.

Calibration of the TonoVet and Tono-Pen Vet tonometers in the porcine eye.

OBJECTIVE: The pig has an increasingly important role in ocular drug delivery models, but the most accurate tonometer in this species is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of TonoVet and Tono-Pen Vet tonometers in the ex vivo porcine eye. PROCEDURE: Four freshly enucleated normal porcine eyes were cannulated with two 25-gauge needles; one connected via tubing to a mercury manometer calibrated continuous physiologic recorder and the other connected to a reservoir of lactated Ringer's solution on an adjustable stand. Triplicate IOP readings were taken with the TonoVet and then the Tono-Pen Vet at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 mmHg. RESULTS: Linear regression showed strong linear trends for both the TonoVet (r2 = 0.969) and Tono-Pen Vet (r2 = 0.983). The TonoVet slightly underestimated IOP at lower pressures and slightly overestimated IOP at higher pressures (y = 1.092x - 4.0, where y = tonometer reading, x = manometer reading, and 4.0 = intercept). The Tono-Pen Vet consistently underestimated IOP (y = 0.773x - 2.1). These differences were statistically significant (P = <0.001, one-way repeated-measures ANOVA). CONCLUSION: As in other species, both the TonoVet and Tono-Pen Vet tonometers do not measure true IOP in the porcine eye; however, the TonoVet more closely approximated true IOP in the normal porcine eye than the Tono-Pen Vet and may be the tonometer of choice for this species.

INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AND EXAMINATION FINDINGS IN THREE SPECIES OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN TREE FROGS (CRUZIOHYLA CRASPEDOPUS, CRUZIOHYLA CALCARIFER, AND ANOTHECA SPINOSA).

The purpose of this prospective study was to describe intraocular pressure (IOP) and examination findings in three tree frog species (Cruziohyla craspedopus [fringe leaf frog], Cruziohyla calcarifer [splendid leaf frog], and Anotheca spinosa [spiny-headed or coronated tree frog]). Thirty-one C. craspedopus, four C. calcarifer, and five A. spinosa were weighed, sexed based on phenotype where possible, and examined using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. IOP was measured using the TonoVet and TonoLab rebound tonometers while the frogs were held two ways (unrestrained, then restrained). Statistical differences were determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. Mean ± SD IOP (TonoVet and TonoLab, respectively) was 15.1 ± 2.5 mmHg and 15.6 ± 4.1 mmHg in C. craspedopus; 14.8 ± 1.5 mmHg and 18.8 ± 3.1 mmHg in C. calcarifer; and 9.1 ± 2.1 mmHg and 10.8 ± 1.4 mmHg in A. spinosa. There was no significant difference in IOP in C. craspedopus by eye (Right vs Left), tonometer, or restraint method. IOP in female C. craspedopus was 1-3 mm Hg higher than in males with both devices (P < 0.05). IOP was statistically significantly different between all species for the TonoLab and between Cruziohyla genus frogs and A. spinosa for the TonoVet (P < 0.05). There was no difference in IOP measurements between the TonoVet and TonoLab in C. craspedopus. IOP varied by gender in C. craspedopus and between species, but not by tonometer. Ocular abnormalities were minimal in this group of captive bred frogs.

MEASURING INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN WHITE'S TREE FROGS (LITORIA CAERULEA) BY REBOUND TONOMETRY: COMPARING DEVICE, TIME OF DAY, AND MANUAL VERSUS CHEMICAL RESTRAINT METHODS.

Ocular diseases reported in frogs include uveitis and glaucoma, which are associated with changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). The objectives of this study were to characterize the normal IOP for White's tree frogs ( Litoria caerulea ) using two types of rebound tonometers, and to assess whether time of day or method of restraint affected IOP. Eighteen conscious, unrestrained, ophthalmologically normal frogs were used to measure IOP using TonoVet® and TonoLab® tonometers, at three time points during the day. In a subset of 12 frogs, IOP was measured while under manual restraint using the TonoVet. Anesthesia was induced in 9 frogs using two different concentrations of MS-222 (0.5 g/L and 2 g/L) in order to evaluate for changes in IOP with the TonoVet. Mean (± SD) IOP values for the TonoLab (16.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg) were significantly higher than TonoVet values (14.7 ± 1.6 mm Hg; P < 0.01). TonoVet IOP values did not significantly change with time of day. TonoLab values were significantly lower in the evening (1600-1800; 14.5 ± 3.1 mm Hg), compared with morning and midday measurements (0800-1000 and 1200-1400; 18.0 ± 3.8 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Manually restrained frogs had significantly lower IOP (13.4 ± 1.5 mm Hg) compared with unrestrained frogs (15.3 ± 1.2 mm Hg; P < 0.01). Chemical restraint did not cause significant changes in IOP. Intraocular pressure can be measured with both types of rebound tonometers in White's tree frogs, but time of day and manual restraint can affect IOP values.

Ocular toxicity of AUY922 in pigmented and albino rats.

AUY922, a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor is associated with ocular adverse events (AEs). To provide a better understanding of ocular AEs in patients, 4 investigative studies were performed in a step-wise approach to assess retinal structure and function in pigmented (Brown Norway) and albino (Wistar) rats. In rats administered 30mg/kg of AUY922, the AUC0-24h and Cmax are comparable to that in patients at 70mg/m(2). AUY922 at ≥30mg/kg was poorly tolerated by rats with morbidity or mortality generally after the third weekly treatment. Electroretinography (ERG) changes were observed at doses ≥30mg/kg. The ERG changes were dose dependent, consistent with an effect on the photoreceptors, and fully reversible. The ERG effects could not be minimized by decreasing the Cmax while maintaining AUC. Histopathological changes were seen mainly when rats were administered AUY922 at 100mg/kg. The 2-hour infusion of AUY922 at 100mg/kg caused disorganization of the outer segment photoreceptor morphology in male Brown Norway rats; the severity of the disorganization increased with the number of administrations, but was reversible during a 4-week posttreatment period. There was no major difference in ocular response between Brown Norway and Wistar rats. No changes in serum iron levels, and no changes in rhodopsin, PDE6α, ß-transducin concentrations, or retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein RPE65 expression were observed after single and multiple infusions of AUY922 at 100mg/kg compared to vehicle-treated controls. AUY922 retinal toxicity in rats recapitulates and further characterizes that reported in patients and is shown to be reversible, while a precise molecular mechanism for the effect was not determined.

Bilateral Uveitis and Hyphema in a Catalina Macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao ) With Multicentric Lymphoma.

A 20-year-old, female Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao ) was presented with bilateral uveitis and hyphema. The hyphema initially improved with 0.12% prednisolone acetate ophthalmic drops (1 drop OU q4h for 7 days), but the hyphema recurred after the drops were tapered. The bird subsequently developed inappetance, weight loss, regurgitation, and lethargy and was euthanatized 24 days after initial presentation. Necropsy revealed marked splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, with significant mucosal ulcerations of the proventriculus and petechiation associated with both kidneys. Histopathologic examination revealed multicentric lymphoma, with neoplastic cells observed in ocular, splenic, hepatic, renal, proventricular, intestinal, pancreatic, and choanal tissue. Neoplastic lymphocytes effaced the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid of the eyes, and neoplastic lymphocytes were attached to the corneal endothelium and infiltrated the sclera, episclera, and conjunctivae. Immunohistochemical results indicated that the neoplastic lymphocytes were CD3(+) and CD79a(-), which is consistent with T-cell lymphoma.

Evaluation of rebound tonometry in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feasibility and accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement by rebound tonometry in adult red-eared slider turtles and determine the effects of manual and chemical restraint on IOP. ANIMAL STUDIED: Seventeen adult red-eared slider turtles. PROCEDURES: Intraocular pressure was measured with TonoLab® and TonoVet® tonometers in conscious, unrestrained turtles. To evaluate the effects of manual restraint, turtles were restrained by digital pressure on the rostral head or proximal neck. The effect of two chemical restraint protocols (dexmedetomidine, ketamine, midazolam [DKM] and dexmedetomidine, ketamine [DK] subcutaneously) on IOP was evaluated. Triplicate TonoLab® and TonoVet® readings were compared with direct manometry in three ex vivo turtle eyes. RESULTS: TonoLab® correlated better with manometry at IOPs < 45 mmHg than TonoVet® (linear regression slopes of 0.89 and 0.30, respectively). Mean (±SD) IOP in unrestrained conscious turtles was significantly lower (P < 0.01) with TonoLab® (10.02 ± 0.66 mmHg) than with TonoVet® (11.32 ± 1.57 mmHg). Manual neck restraint caused a significant increase in IOP (+6.31 ± 5.59 mmHg), while manual rostral head restraint did not. Both chemical restraint protocols significantly reduced IOP (DKM: −1.0 ± 0.76 mmHg; DK: −1.79 ± 1.17) compared with measurements in conscious unrestrained turtles. CONCLUSIONS: Chemical and manual neck restraint affected IOP. Rostral head restraint had no significant effect on IOP and is, therefore, recommended as the appropriate restraint technique in red-eared slider turtles. TonoLab® measurements estimated actual IOP more accurately, within physiologic range, than measurements obtained using the TonoVet®.

Single nucleus transcriptomics supports a role for CCNA2-induced human adult cardiomyocyte cytokinesis.

Cyclin A2 (CCNA2) is a master regulatory gene of the cell cycle that is normally silenced in postnatal mammalian cardiomyocytes. We have previously demonstrated that it can induce significant cardiac repair in both small and large animals when delivered to the heart via a viral vector. To date, whether CCNA2 gene delivery can induce cytokinesis in isolated cardiomyocytes from adult human hearts has not been investigated. Therefore, we designed a human gene therapy vector featuring a replication-deficient, E1/E3-deleted human adenovirus five encoding human CCNA2 driven by the cardiac Troponin T promoter to enable the expression of CCNA2 in freshly isolated human cardiomyocytes. Utilizing time-lapse microscopy live imaging of cultured adult human cardiomyocytes isolated from a 21-year-old male, 41-year-old female, and 55-year-old male, we now report that human adult cardiomyocytes can be induced to undergo complete cytokinesis in response to CCNA2 gene delivery with preservation of sarcomere integrity in the resulting daughter cells. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of CCNA2-dependent gene regulation in governing cardiomyocyte cytokinesis, we conducted single nucleus transcriptomics (snRNA-seq, 10X Genomics) analysis in hearts isolated from adult transgenic mice that constitutively express CCNA2 in cardiomyocytes (CCNA2-Tg) and non-transgenic mice (nTg). Remarkably, we identified a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes enriched with cytokinesis, proliferative, and reprogramming genes in hearts obtained from CCNA2-Tg mice as compared to hearts obtained from nTg mice. We also performed bulk RNA sequencing of human adult and fetal hearts, and we identified key reprogramming genes that are involved in CCNA2-induced cytokinesis. These results provide a compelling path forward for the clinical development of cardiac regenerative therapy based on strategic manipulation of the cardiomyocyte cell cycle.

Iridocorneal angle measurements in mammalian species: normative data by optical coherence tomography.

Objective Gonioscopy provides limited quantitative information to compare the iridocorneal anatomy across different species. In addition, the anatomic relationships by histologic examination are altered during processing. As a result, the comparative anatomy of the iridocorneal angle across several mammalian species was evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Methods Cats, beagle dogs, minipigs, owl monkeys, cynomolgus monkeys, and rhesus monkeys (n = 6 or 7 per species) were evaluated. Imaging was performed using the OCT. The anterior chamber angle (ACA), angle opening distance (AOD), and the angle recess area (ARA) were evaluated. Results AC angle: cat (63 ± 6°) > owl monkey (54 ± 4°) > beagle dog (42 ± 4°) > minipig (40 ± 3°) > rhesus monkey (36 ± 1°) > cynomolgus monkey (34 ± 2°). AOD: cat (3.3 ± 0.5 mm) > owl monkey (2.05 ± 0.2 mm) > beagle dog (1.08 ± 0.1 mm) > rhesus monkey (0.92 ± 0.06 mm) > minipig (0.64 ± 0.04 mm) > cynomolgus monkey (0.43 ± 0.03 mm). ARA: cat (3.5 ± 0.1 mm(2) ) > owl monkey (1.41 ± 0.2 mm(2) ) > dog (0.88 ± 0.1 mm(2) ) > rhesus monkey (0.62 ± 0.06 mm(2) ) > minipig (0.21 ± 0.05 mm(2) ) > cynomolgus monkey (0.15 ± 0.01 mm(2) ). Conclusions This study benchmarks the normative iridocorneal angle measurements across different mammalian species by OCT. These data can be useful to compare iridocorneal angle measurements in disease states as OCT evolves as a common diagnostic tool in veterinary ophthalmic research and practice.

The effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomic relationships in normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Topical latanoprost 0.005% is commonly used in dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and marked miosis has been reported in the literature. To further explore the effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomy, we performed iridocorneal angle biometrics in normal beagle dogs. METHODS: Thirty-five normal female beagle dogs were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). One eye of each dog was scanned with the AS-OCT in the superotemporal quadrant. One drop of latanoprost 0.005% was applied topically, and the OCT scan was repeated 30 min later. Images were imported into ImageJ, and pupil diameter, anterior chamber angle, angle opening distance, angle recess area (ARA), anterior chamber hemifield, and anterior chamber depth were measured. RESULTS: A single drop of latanoprost resulted in marked miosis, anterior bowing of the peripheral iris, narrowing of the iridocorneal angle, and shallowing of the anterior chamber. The anterior segment parameters demonstrated a significant reduction (P-value ≤ 0.001) from baseline following latanoprost with the exception of the ARA (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost significantly decreases pupil diameter and narrows the iridocorneal angle in normal female beagle dogs. Therefore, the utility of latanoprost as a prophylactic treatment for PACG in fellow eyes may be limited. Studies using quantitative iridocorneal angle measurements in goniodysgenic dogs are warranted to understand the changes in iridocorneal angle morphology that occur in PACG in response to topical application of latanoprost.

Type 2 cytokines sensitize human sensory neurons to itch-associated stimuli.

Introduction: Chronic itch is a central symptom of atopic dermatitis. Cutaneous afferent neurons express receptors interleukins (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-33, which are type 2 cytokines that are elevated in atopic dermatitis. These neuronal cytokine receptors were found to be required in several murine models of itch. Prior exposure of neurons to either IL-4 or IL-33 increased their response to subsequent chemical pruritogens in mice but has not been previously examined in humans. The objective of the present study was to determine if type 2 cytokine stimulation sensitizes sensory neurons to future itch stimuli in a fully human ex vivo system. Methods: We measured calcium flux from human dorsal root ganglia cultures from cadaveric donors in response to pruritogens following transient exposure to type 2 cytokines. We also measured their effect on neuronal calcium flux and changes in gene expression by RNA sequencing. Results: Type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and IL-33) were capable of sensitizing human dorsal root ganglia neurons to both histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch stimuli. Sensitization was observed after only 2 h of pruritogen incubation. We observed rapid neuronal calcium flux in a small subset of neurons directly in response to IL-4 and to IL-13, which was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. IL-4 and IL-13 induced a common signature of upregulated genes after 24 h of exposure that was unique from IL-33 and non-type 2 inflammatory stimuli. Discussion: This study provides evidence of peripheral neuron sensitization by type 2 cytokines as well as broad transcriptomic effects in human sensory ganglia. These studies identify both unique and overlapping roles of these cytokines in sensory neurons.

Generation of left ventricle-like cardiomyocytes with improved structural, functional, and metabolic maturity from human pluripotent stem cells.

Decreased left ventricle (LV) function caused by genetic mutations or injury often leads to debilitating and fatal cardiovascular disease. LV cardiomyocytes are, therefore, a potentially valuable therapeutical target. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are neither homogeneous nor functionally mature, which reduces their utility. Here, we exploit cardiac development knowledge to instruct differentiation of hPSCs specifically toward LV cardiomyocytes. Correct mesoderm patterning and retinoic acid pathway blocking are essential to generate near-homogenous LV-specific hPSC-CMs (hPSC-LV-CMs). These cells transit via first heart field progenitors and display typical ventricular action potentials. Importantly, hPSC-LV-CMs exhibit increased metabolism, reduced proliferation, and improved cytoarchitecture and functional maturity compared with age-matched cardiomyocytes generated using the standard WNT-ON/WNT-OFF protocol. Similarly, engineered heart tissues made from hPSC-LV-CMs are better organized, produce higher force, and beat more slowly but can be paced to physiological levels. Together, we show that functionally matured hPSC-LV-CMs can be obtained rapidly without exposure to current maturation regimes.