Electrical stimulation ameliorates light-induced photoreceptor degeneration in vitro via suppressing the proinflammatory effect of microglia and enhancing the neurotrophic potential of Müller cells

► We determine the neuroprotective effect of ES on light-induced photoreceptor degeneration using co-culture in vitro model. ► ES promotes the survival of light-injured photoreceptor cells via suppression of microglia activation and enhancement of Müller cells reactive gliosis induced by light-damaged photoreceptors cells. ► The upregulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in activated microglia is implicated in the aggravation of microglia-mediated photoreceptor cell death. The increase of neurotrophin BDNF in gliotic Müller cells is involved in the promotion of Müller cell-induced photoreceptor cell survival.