Increased cytochrome oxidase activity in the diabetic rat retinal pigment epithelium

R. B. Caldwell, S. M. Slapnick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have investigated the effects of diabetes on retinal oxidative metabolism. Since activity of the mitochondrial enzyme, cytochrome oxidase, has been demonstrated to be a reliable indicator of oxidative metabolism and physiological activity, we used cytochemical techniques to study the activity of this enzyme in spontaneously diabetic, streptozotocin-diabetic, and control rat retinas. Light microscope results showed an increase in staining for cytochrome oxidase activity in the diabetic RPE cell layer as compared with the control. Quantitative electron microscope analysis showed a significant increase in RPE cells with highly reactive mitochondria as compared with the controls. Mitochondrial staining within the diabetic photoreceptor and retinal vascular endothelial cells was normal. RPE cell volume and surface area, as well as number and volume of mitochondria, were unchanged. This increase in oxidative enzyme activity is further evidence of RPE cell alteration in diabetes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)591-599
Number of pages9
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume30
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1989
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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