| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6263980 | Brain Research | 2013 | 15 Pages |
The transcription factor Pax2 actively participates in the development of the vertebrate visual system. In adults, Pax2 expression persists in a subpopulation of Müller cells and/or astrocytes in the retina and optic nerve head (ONH), although its function remains elusive. In a previous work we showed that the pax2 gene expression is modified and the Pax2+ astrocyte population in the ONH strongly reacted during the regeneration of the retina after a lesion in goldfish. In the present work we have analyzed Pax2 expression in the goldfish ONH after optic nerve (ON) crush. At one week post-injury, when the regenerating axons arrive at the ONH, the pax2 gene expression level increases as well as the number of Pax2+ astrocytes in this region. These Pax2+ astrocytes show a higher number of Cytokeratin (Ck)+/GFAP+ processes compared with control animals. In contrast, a different S100+ astrocyte population is not modified and persists similar to that of controls. Furthermore, we find a ring that surrounds the posterior ONH that is formed by highly reactive astrocytes, positive to Pax2, GFAP, Ck, S100, GS and ZO1. In this region we also find a source of new astrocytes Pax2+/PCNA+ that is activated after the injury. We conclude that Pax2+ astrocytes constitute a subpopulation of ONH astrocytes that strongly reacts after ON crush and supports our previous results obtained after retina regeneration. Altogether, this suggests that pax2 gene expression and Pax2+ astrocytes are probably directly involved in the process of axonal regeneration.
⺠Pax2 participates in the visual system development. ⺠Pax2 function in adult retina and optic nerve head remains elusive. ⺠Pax2+ astrocytes strongly reacts after optic nerve crush. ⺠pax2 gene expression and Pax2+ astrocytes are involved in the axonal regeneration.
