Histopathology and SARS-CoV-2 Cellular Localization in Eye Tissues of COVID-19 Autopsies.

Ophthalmic manifestations and tissue tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been reported in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the pathology and cellular localization of SARS-CoV-2 are not well characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic changes and investigate cellular localization of SARS-CoV-2 across ocular tissues at autopsy. Ocular tissues were obtained from 25 patients with COVID-19 at autopsy. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid gene RNA was previously quantified by droplet digital PCR from one eye. Herein, contralateral eyes from 21 patients were fixed in formalin and subject to histopathologic examination. Sections of the droplet digital PCR-positive eyes from four other patients were evaluated by in situ hybridization to determine the cellular localization of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene RNA. Histopathologic abnormalities, including cytoid bodies, vascular changes, and retinal edema, with minimal or no inflammation in ocular tissues were observed in all 21 cases evaluated. In situ hybridization localized SARS-CoV-2 RNA to neuronal cells of the retinal inner and outer layers, ganglion cells, corneal epithelia, scleral fibroblasts, and oligodendrocytes of the optic nerve. In conclusion, a range of common histopathologic alterations were identified within ocular tissue, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was localized to multiple cell types. Further studies will be required to determine whether the alterations observed were caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, the host immune response, and/or preexisting comorbidities.

Extra-hepatic metabolism of 7-ketocholesterol occurs by esterification to fatty acids via cPLA2α and SOAT1 followed by selective efflux to HDL.

Accumulation of 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh) in tissues has been previously associated with various chronic aging diseases. Orally ingested 7KCh is readily metabolized by the liver and does not pose a toxicity threat. However, 7KCh formed in situ, usually associated with lipoprotein deposits, can adversely affect surrounding tissues by causing inflammation and cytotoxicity. In this study we have investigated various mechanisms for extra-hepatic metabolism of 7KCh (e.g. hydroxylation, sulfation) and found only esterification to fatty acids. The esterification of 7KCh to fatty acids involves the combined action of cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha (cPLA2α) and sterol O-acyltransferase (SOAT1). Inhibition of either one of these enzymes ablates 7KCh-fatty acid ester (7KFAE) formation. The 7KFAEs are not toxic and do not induce inflammatory responses. However, they can be unstable and re-release 7KCh. The higher the degree of unsaturation, the more unstable the 7KFAE (e.g. 18:0>18:1>18:2>18:3≫20:4). Biochemical inhibition and siRNA knockdown of SOAT1 and cPLA2α ablated the 7KFAE synthesis in cultured ARPE19 cells, but had little effect on the 7KCh-induced inflammatory response. Overexpression of SOAT1 reduced the 7KCh-induced inflammatory response and provided some protection from cell death. This effect is likely due to the increased conversion of 7KCh to 7KFAEs, which reduced the intracellular 7KCh levels. Addition of HDL selectively increased the efflux of 7KFAEs and enhanced the effect of SOAT1 overexpression. Our data suggests an additional function for HDL in aiding extra-hepatic tissues to eliminate 7KCh by returning 7KFAEs to the liver for bile acid formation.

7-ketocholesterol accumulates in ocular tissues as a consequence of aging and is present in high levels in drusen.

We analyzed by LCMS lipid extracts of lens, retina (MNR) and RPE/Choroid (MPEC) from macaque monkeys 2-25 yr in age to determine their content of 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh) as function of age. In addition we also analyzed drusen capped with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), RPE, and neural retina from human donors age 72-95 yr. The lowest 7KCh levels were found in monkey lens (<0.5-3.5 pmol 7KCh per nmol Ch), the second highest in MNR (1-15 pmol/nmol), and the highest in MPEC (1 to >60 pmol/nmol). Despite individual variability all three tissues demonstrated a strong age-related increase. In older human donors 7KCh levels were significantly higher. The levels in human neural retina ranged from 8 to 20 pmol/nmol, similar to the oldest monkeys, but 7-KCh levels in RPE ranged from 200 to 17,000 pmol/nmol, and in RPE-capped drusen from 200 to 2000 pmol/nmol, levels that would be lethal in most cultured cell systems. Most of the 7KCh is sequestered and not readily available to the surrounding tissue, based on published histochemical evidence that extracellular cholesterol (Ch) and cholesteryl fatty acid esters (CEs) are highly concentrated in Bruch's membrane and drusen. However, adjacent tissues, especially RPE but also choriocapillaris endothelium, could be chronically inflamed and in peril of receiving a lethal exposure. Implications for initiation and progression of age-related macular degeneration are discussed.

Single-cell profiling identifies a CD8bright CD244bright Natural Killer cell subset that reflects disease activity in HLA-A29-positive birdshot chorioretinopathy.

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is an inflammatory eye condition strongly associated with MHC-I allele HLA-A29. The striking association with MHC-I suggests involvement of T cells, whereas natural killer (NK) cell involvement remains largely unstudied. Here we show that HLA-A29-positive birdshot chorioretinopathy patients have a skewed NK cell pool containing expanded CD16 positive NK cells which produce more proinflammatory cytokines. These NK cells contain populations that express CD8A which is involved in MHC-I recognition on target cells, display gene signatures indicative of high cytotoxic activity (GZMB, PRF1 and ISG15), and signaling through NK cell receptor CD244 (SH2D1B). Long-term monitoring of a cohort of birdshot chorioretinopathy patients with active disease identifies a population of CD8bright CD244bright NK cells, which rapidly declines to normal levels upon clinical remission following successful treatment. Collectively, these studies implicate CD8bright CD244bright NK cells in birdshot chorioretinopathy.

Sterculic acid antagonizes 7-ketocholesterol-mediated inflammation and inhibits choroidal neovascularization.

Sterculic acid is a cyclopropene fatty acid with numerous biological activities. In this study we demonstrate that sterculic acid is a potent inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and related inflammation caused by 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh). 7KCh is a highly toxic oxysterol suspected in the pathogenesis of various age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration. Sterculic acid demonstrated to be 5-10 times more effective than other anti-inflammatory fatty acids at inhibiting 7KCh-mediated inflammatory responses in cultured cells. In vivo, sterculic acid was effective at inhibiting the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the laser-injury rat model. Our data suggests that sterculic acid may be useful in treating CNV in certain forms of age-related macular degeneration.

Comparison of the Xpert MTB/RIF and Cobas TaqMan MTB assays for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory specimens.

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) is a fully automated, cartridge-based real-time PCR assay designed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance within 2 h. The performance of the Xpert assay has been evaluated in various clinical settings. However, there are few data comparing the Xpert assay to the Cobas TaqMan MTB test (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland), one of the most widely utilized molecular assays for M. tuberculosis detection. In this prospective study, 320 consecutive respiratory specimens were processed simultaneously using acid-fast bacillus (AFB) staining, mycobacterial cultures with both solid and liquid media, and the Cobas and Xpert assays. The Xpert assay was performed with direct respiratory specimens, while the Cobas assay was done with decontaminated concentrated specimens. Based on the culture as a reference method, the overall sensitivities of the Cobas and Xpert assays were 71.4% and 67.9%, respectively. When AFB smear results were taken into consideration, the sensitivities of the Cobas assay for smear-positive and -negative specimens were 87% and 54%, while those of the Xpert assay were 67% and 69%, respectively. The Cobas assay showed 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value (PPV) regardless of smear results, while the Xpert assay showed 100% specificity and 100% PPV for smear-positive specimens but 98% specificity and 60% PPV for smear-negative specimens. In conclusion, the Xpert assay showed performance that was slightly inferior to that of the Cobas assay but seems useful for the rapid detection of M. tuberculosis, considering that it was performed without laborious and time-consuming decontamination and concentration procedures.

Extracellular reactive oxygen species are generated by a plasma membrane oxidative phosphorylation system.

Although the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system has been found in mitochondria and the plasma membrane of various mammalian cell lines, understanding the physiological functions of the plasma membrane OXPHOS system is challenging. Here, we demonstrated that OXPHOS I, II, III, IV and V subunits were expressed in the plasma membrane of HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes, as determined by non-permeabilized immunofluorescence, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, cell surface-biotin labeling and plasma membrane and lipid raft isolation. Next, we demonstrated that NADH administration generated extracellular superoxide and improved insulin signaling in HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. The NADH-dependent generation of extracellular superoxide was prevented by knockdown of NDUFV-1, the first subunit of OXPHOS I receiving electrons from NADH and the NADH-improved insulin signaling was abolished by extracellular catalase. Thus, we conclude that the OXPHOS system in the plasma membrane may be required for the generation of extracellular ROS and the regulation of insulin signaling.

Intraretinal lipid transport is dependent on high density lipoprotein-like particles and class B scavenger receptors.

PURPOSE: In our companion paper we demonstrated that circulating lipoproteins enter the retina via the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and possibly Müller cells. In order to understand how these lipids are transported within the retina, expression and localization of the main proteins known to be involved in systemic lipid transport was determined. METHODS: Expression of ABCA1, apoA1 (the major HDL protein), SR-BI, SR-BII, CD36, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblots. Localization was determined by immunohistochemistry using fresh monkey vibrotome sections and imaged by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: ABCA1 and apoA1 were localized to the ganglion cell layer, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and rod photoreceptor inner segments. ApoA1 was also observed associated with rod photoreceptor outer segments, presumably localized to the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). The scavenger receptors SR-BI and SR-BII localized mainly to the ganglion cell layer and photoreceptor outer segments; in the latter they appear to be associated with microtubules. LCAT and CETP localized mainly to the IPM. CONCLUSIONS: The presence and specific localization of these well-known lipid transport proteins suggest that the retina employs an internal lipid transport mechanism that involves processing and maturation of HDL-like particles.

Uptake of cholesterol by the retina occurs primarily via a low density lipoprotein receptor-mediated process.

PURPOSE: In this study we examined the uptake of circulating lipoproteins into the retina, using a naturally fluorescent cholesterol analog for imaging and deuterated cholesterol for quantification by mass spectroscopy. The purpose of this study was to better understand cholesterol uptake, transport and homeostasis in the retina. METHODS: Human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were labeled with the fluorescent cholesterol analog cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3beta-ol (CTL) and deuterated cholesterol (25,26,26,26,27,27,27-[2H]cholesterol, D7Ch). Rats were injected intravenously with CTL-LDL, CTL-HDL and D7Ch-LDL. Fluorescent confocal microscopy was used to image the uptake of CTL and mass spectroscopy was used to quantify D7Ch. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent confocal microscopy were used to localize apoB (an LDL marker protein) and LDL receptor (LDLR) protein in rat and monkey retinas. RESULTS: CTL-specific fluorescence was imaged by confocal microscopy in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choriocapillaris and parts of the neural retina within 2 h post-injection and was visualized in the photoreceptor outer segments by 4 h. Replacing LDL with HDL as the CTL carrier gave a less robust and more delayed labeling of retinal layers. Human apolipoprotein B (apoB) was also localized in the rat choriocapillaris and RPE by 4 h post-injection. Human apoB was detected by immunoblot analysis in the rat retina primarily as a about 70 kDa protein, suggesting proteolytic degradation. LDL-mediated uptake of cholesterol was quantified by mass spectroscopy using deuterated cholesterol in place of CTL. In addition, apoB and LDLR were localized in monkey retina by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: The retina is capable of rapid uptake of circulating LDL via an LDLR-mediated process primarily occurring in the RPE and also possibly Müller cells. Despite the dominance of HDL over LDL in rat serum, LDL appears to be the preferred carrier for cholesterol transport to and uptake by the retina. The results also suggest that blood-borne LDL represents a significant contributor to the steady-state levels of cholesterol and possibly other lipids in the retina.

[A case of retroperitoneal schwannoma of the vagus nerve].

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors that originate from any anatomical site. Most schwannomas occur in the head, neck or limbs, but rarely occur in the retroperitoneal space. Furthermore, the schwannoma originating from the vagus nerve of retroperitoneal space is much rare. We experienced a case of retroperitoneal schwannoma of the vagus nerve. A 34-year-old male was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of abdominal mass on ultrasonography. Endoscopic examination revealed submucosal tumor-like lesion on high body of the stomach. Computed tomography (CT) revealed that the stomach was compressed by a solid tumor in the retroperitoneum. On exploratory laparotomy, this mass turned out to be a baseball sized mass in the retroperitoneal space. The mass was excised in an encapsulated state. Histological examination with immunohistochemical stains revealed a schwannoma of the vagus nerve.

Cytotoxicity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in cultured RPE cells is dependent on the formation of 7-ketocholesterol.

PURPOSE: To determine which components present in oxidized LDL are responsible for the cytotoxicity associated with its internalization by culture ARPE19 cells. METHODS: ARPE19 cells were grown in 24-well and 96-well plates. Cell viability was measured by MTT and/or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. LDL was oxidized with Cu(+2) and oxysterol content analyzed by a novel HPLC method. RESULTS: OxLDL showed increased cytotoxicity with prolonged oxidation. Analysis of the oxLDL showed a predominance of the 7-oxygenated products, 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol (7 alpha HCh), 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol (7 beta HCh), and 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh). Addition of these oxysterols to the ARPE19 cell in free form indicated that 7kCh is the most cytotoxic of the oxysterols but at physiologically unrealistic concentrations. Partitioning of individual oxysterols into nonoxidized LDL at concentrations similar to those found in the oxLDL also indicated that 7kCh is the most cytotoxic of the oxysterols. Transition metals are tightly bound by LDL and play an important role in the oxidation of LDL, but do not seem to enhance its cytotoxicity directly. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged oxidation of LDL increases the levels of 7kCh due to further oxidation of 7 alpha HCh and 7 beta HCh. The formation of 7KCh seems to be responsible for most of the cytotoxicity associated with oxLDL internalization in ARPE19 cells.

RPE cells internalize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in large quantities in vitro and in vivo.

PURPOSE: To determine whether plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) could be internalized by the RPE and which receptors may be involved. A secondary objective was to determine whether ARPE19 cells could be used as a model to investigate cholesterol processing in the RPE. METHODS: Commercially available human LDL was labeled with rhodamine or AlexaFluor 568. Immunofluorescence was performed using commercially available antibodies to LDL-R, CD36, and LOX-1. Cells and tissues were imaged using epifluorescence and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Immunoblot analysis and RT-PCR were performed using published techniques. RESULTS: Intravenously injected rhodamine-labeled LDL (rhoLDL) was detected in the rat RPE by fluorescence confocal microscopy 24 hours after injection. The rhoLDL was present in some areas and absent in others. Cultured ARPE19 cells were also found to internalize LDL and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) readily. Using AlexaFluor 568-labeled LDL we determined that the average cultured RPE cell could internalize approximately 12 to 16 pg of LDL and oxLDL in 24 hours. Immunoblots readily detected the presence of CD36 and LDL-R in the cultured RPE cells but not LOX-1, whereas RT-PCR detected mRNA for all three receptors. Dual-labeling experiments using AlexaFluor 568-labeled LDL and AlexaFluor 488 for the immunolocalization of the receptors showed colocalization of LDL-R with the internalized LDL and CD36 with oxLDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma LDL readily enters the RPE through the choriocapillaris but is not found homogeneously throughout the retina. This may suggest some form of regulation to the permeability of the fenestrated choroidal endothelial cell junctions. ARPE19 cells are a good model for studying the internalization mechanisms of LDL and oxLDL in vitro. LDL may be used as a vector to carry hydrophobic molecules into the RPE.

7-Ketocholesterol-induced inflammation signals mostly through the TLR4 receptor both in vitro and in vivo.

The cholesterol oxide 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh) has been implicated in numerous age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and age-related macular degeneration. It is formed by the autooxidation of cholesterol and especially cholesterol-fatty acid esters found in lipoprotein deposits. This molecule causes complex and potent inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. It is suspected of causing chronic inflammation in tissues exposed to oxidized lipoprotein deposits. In this study we have examined the inflammatory pathways activated by 7KCh both in cultured ARPE19 cells and in vivo using 7KCh-containing implants inserted into the anterior chamber of the rat eye. Our results indicate that 7KCh-induced inflammation is mediated mostly though the TLR4 receptor with some cross-activation of EGFR-related pathways. The majority of the cytokine inductions seem to signal via the TRIF/TRAM side of the TLR4 receptor. The MyD88/TIRAP side only significantly effects IL-1ß inductions. The 7KCh-induced inflammation also seems to involve a robust ER stress response. However, this response does not seem to involve a calcium efflux-mediated UPR. Instead the ER stress response seems to be mediated by yet identified kinases activated through the TLR4 receptor. Some of the kinases identified are the RSKs which seem to mediate the cytokine inductions and the cell death pathway but do not seem to be involved in the ER stress response.

Laser-induced intrachoroidal dexamethasone drug delivery system to posterior eye segment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of laser-induced intrachoroidal dexamethasone (DEX) delivery as a potentially useful therapy for adjusting the most effective drug level to the posterior segment eye diseases. METHODS: An implant was prepared by dissolving poly(DL-lactide) and DEX. In vitro release of DEX was evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days by ELISA. In vivo, a DEX implant was inserted into a rabbit choroid, and 10, 50, or 200 burns of photocoagulation were applied at the implant lesion. After treatment, the vitreous humor was immediately aspirated and the DEX level was measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the vitreous DEX level was measured at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after implantation and 50 burns of photocoagulation. The toxicity of the laser-induced DEX implant was evaluated by ophthalmoscopy and light microscopy. Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced after DEX implantation and photocoagulation, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by grading clinical signs, protein concentrations, and histopathologic studies. RESULTS: Photocoagulation significantly increased the DEX release from the implant at 7 days in vitro. In vivo, the DEX implant exposed to 10, 50, and 200 burns of photocoagulation increased the vitreous DEX levels in a dose-dependent manner. The vitreous DEX level in the DEX implant applied to 50 burns of photocoagulation peaked 1 day after treatment. The laser-induced DEX implant showed no retinal abnormalities except the implantation site, and significantly inhibited the EIU. CONCLUSIONS: Laser-induced intrachoroidal DEX delivery controls the DEX level in the vitreous humor and effectively prevents the experimental uveitis.

7-Ketocholesterol induces inflammation and angiogenesis in vivo: a novel rat model.

Accumulation of 7-Ketocholesterol (7KCh) in lipid deposits has been implicated in a variety of chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and age-related macular degeneration. 7KCh is known to be pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic to various types of cultured cells but little is known about its effects in vivo. In this study we have investigated the effects of 7KCh in vivo by implanting biodegradable wafers into the anterior chamber of the rat eye. The wafers were prepared using a mixture of two biodegradable polymers with different amounts of 7KCh. The 7KCh-containing implants induced massive angiogenesis and inflammation. By contrast, no angiogenesis and very little inflammation were observed with cholesterol-containing implants. The neovessel growth was monitored by fluorescein angiography. Neovessels were observed 4 days post implantation and peaked between 7 to 10 days. The angiography and isolectin IB(4) labeling demonstrated that the neovessels originated from the limbus and grew through the cornea. Immunolabeling with anti-CD68 suggested that the 7KCh-containing implants had extensive macrophage infiltration as well as other cell types. A significant increase in VEGF was also observed in 7KCh-containing implants by fluorescent immunolabeling and by immunoblot of the aqueous humor (AH). Direct measurement of VEGF, IL-1ß and GRO/KC demonstrated a marked elevation of these factors in the AH of the 7KCh-implants. In summary this study demonstrates two important things: 1) 7KCh is pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory in vivo and 2) implants containing 7KCh may be used to create a novel angiogenesis model in rats.

7-ketocholesterol-induced inflammation: involvement of multiple kinase signaling pathways via NFκB but independently of reactive oxygen species formation.

PURPOSE: 7-Ketocholesterol (7KCh) accumulates in oxidized lipoprotein deposits and is known to be involved in macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. 7-KCh is present in the primate retina and is associated with oxidized lipoprotein deposits located in the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). 7-KCh can also be formed in the retina as a consequence of light-induced iron release. The purpose of this study was to examine the signaling pathways involved in the 7KCh-mediated inflammatory response focusing on three cytokines, VEGF, IL-6, and IL-8. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were treated with 7KCh solubilized in hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin. Cytokines were quantified by qRT-PCR (mRNA) and ELISA (protein) using commercially available products. NFκB activation was determined by IκBα mRNA induction. RESULTS: Treatment of ARPE-19 cells with 15 µM 7KCh markedly induced the expression of VEGF, IL-6, and IL-8. No increase in NOX-4 expression or ROS formation was detected. 7KCh induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK, and inhibitors to these kinases markedly reduced the cytokine expression but did not affect the IκBα mRNA expression. By contrast, inhibition of PI3K and PKCζ significantly decreased the cytokine and IκBα mRNA expression. Inhibition of the IκB kinase complex essentially ablated all cytokine induction. CONCLUSIONS: 7KCh induces cytokines via three kinase signaling pathways, AKT-PKCζ-NFκB, p38 MAPK, and ERK. The MAPK/ERK pathways seem to preferentially enhance cytokine induction downstream from NFκB activation. The results of this study suggest that 7KCh activates these pathways through interactions in the plasma membrane, but the mechanism(s) remains unknown.

7-Ketocholesterol is present in lipid deposits in the primate retina: potential implication in the induction of VEGF and CNV formation.

PURPOSE: 7-Ketocholesterol is a highly toxic oxysterol found in abundance in atherosclerotic plaques and is believed to play a critical role in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to identify and localize 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh) in the primate retina and to examine the potential consequences of its presence in oxidized lipid deposits in the retina. METHODS: Unsterified 7kCh was identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Localization of 7kCh was performed by immunohistochemistry. VEGF induction was determined by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by measuring cellular dehydrogenase activity. Analyses were performed using ARPE19 and human vascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). RESULTS: 7-Ketocholesterol is localized mainly to deposits in the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane and on the surfaces of vascular endothelial cells of the neural retina. RPE/choriocapillaris regions contained approximately four times more 7kCh than the neural retina. In ARPE19 cells and HMVECs, oxidized LDL and 7kCh induced VEGF 8- to 10-fold above controls. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha levels did not increase as a result of 7kCh treatment, suggesting an HIF-independent induction pathway. Cholesterol sulfate, a liver X receptor (LXR) antagonist, had marked attenuation of the 7kCh-mediated VEGF induction. LXR-specific siRNAs also reduced VEGF induction. Inhibition of NF-kappaB with BAY 11-7082 reduced IL-8 but not VEGF induction. CONCLUSIONS: The location of 7-kCh in the retina and its induction of VEGF in cultured RPE cells and HMVECs suggest it may play a critical role in choroidal neovascularization. The pathway for VEGF induction seems to be independent of HIF-1alpha and NF-kappaB but seems to be partially regulated by LXRs.

Expression and localization of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in monkey retina.

Sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) is a mitochondrial P-450 enzyme with broad substrate specificity for C27 sterols including 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh). CYP27A1 is widely expressed in human tissues but has not been previously demonstrated in the retina. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of CYP27A1 in the monkey retina where it localized mainly to the photoreceptor inner segments. CYP27A1 was also observed in Müller cells with faint immuno staining detected in the RPE and choriocapillaris. We also determined that the 27-hydroxylation of 7-ketocholesterol (27OH7kCh) rendered it non-toxic to cultured RPE cells. Moreover, the 27OH7kCh when mixed with 7-ketocholesterol significantly reduced the toxicity of 7-ketocholesterol. These data, when taken in context of the known functions of CYP27A1 imply that expression in the retina serves to modify the biological activity of oxidized sterols that are either transported or generated locally by photo-oxidation.

SPACRCAN in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the mouse retina: molecular, developmental and promoter analysis.

SPACRCAN is a novel proteoglycan present in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) of the rat and human retina that resists aqueous extraction through its binding to hyaluronan. The purpose of this study was: to clone mouse Spacrcan; to characterize the promoter elements; to define the deduced amino acid sequence; to establish the time of Spacrcan expression during retinal development; and to determine the time of appearance and distribution of SPACRCAN protein. Spacrcan cDNA clone was obtained through PCR amplification of a mouse retina cDNA library, and RT-PCR amplification and 5'RACE of mouse retina RNA. The deduced polypeptide sequence of mouse SPACRCAN contains a signal peptide at the N-terminal, seven N-link glycosylation sites, numerous potential O-linked glycosylation sites in a central mucin-like domain, two glycosaminoglycan attachment sites, five potential hyaluronan-binding motifs, two epidermal growth factor-like domains, and a hydrophobic stretch of 23 amino acids near the C-terminal. Comparison of the genomic structure of mouse and human SPACRCAN showed significant structure conservation. Analysis of the promoter region revealed several important putative regulatory elements including a Ret-1/PCE-1 element, an 11 base motif for Crx binding, six copies of PIRE, a Ret-4 element, three copies of AP-1, a CRE element, and five copies of GATA3. Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the tissue specificity of Spacrcan mRNA and to localize SPACRCAN in developing retina. Spacrcan mRNA is expressed in both retina and pineal gland and was detectable as early as embryonic day 15. The protein is first detectable in the IPM at postnatal day 8 where it increases in concert with the extension of photoreceptor inner and outer segments from the outer retinal surface. The presence of several unique regulatory elements in the promoter region and characteristic molecular features shared with the orthologue in human and rat suggest an important functional role of SPACRCAN in the IPM. The time of appearance of the SPACRCAN protein during retinal development suggests that this matrix protein may establish the extracellular microenvironment into which photoreceptor outer segments are elaborated.