The Neuroprotective Effects of SA-2-NP in a Mouse Model of RGC Injury

Date

2021-05

Authors

Ferguson, Jonathan L.

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Abstract

Determine if a novel hybrid compound SA-2 can be delivered to the retina in a nanoparticle formulation and have protective effects on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following an optic nerve crush (ONC) model of RGC death. Pattern Electroretinography (PERG) was performed on six- to twelve-week-old female (C57BL/6) mice (n = 1-8 mice per group) prior to performing ONC on the left eye to promote RGC death similar to that seen in normotensive glaucoma. Mice were dosed topically for seven or fourteen days either with SA-2 in polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles, or empty PLGA nanoparticles. Subsequent PERG was performed at seven day following ONC to reassess RGC function after the optic nerve injury and treatments. The mice were subsequently euthanized and both eyes we enucleated and fixed with paraformaldehyde. The retinas were removed, flat mounts were prepared and immunostained with RBPMS antibody to quantify surviving RGCs. Our study demonstrated that SA-2 can be delivered to the retinal tissue with PLGA nanoparticles. However, following optic nerve crush in mice, at the selected doses and delivery regimen of SA-2, neuroprotective effects determined by RGC counts and PERG analysis were not statistically significant. Following ONC in mice, topically delivered SA-2 loaded nanoparticles demonstrated some trend in neuroprotection without statistical significance. Further investigation is required to delineate the efficacious delivery mode and dose.

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