Neuroprotective effects of naloxone against light-induced photoreceptor degeneration through inhibiting retinal microglial activation

PURPOSE. To determine the role of microglial activation in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration and the neuroprotective effects of naloxone as a novel microglial inhibitor. METHODS. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to intense blue light for 24 hours. Daily intraperitoneal injection of naloxone or PBS as a control was given 2 days before exposure to light and was continued for 2 weeks. Apoptotic cells were detected by the TUNEL assay, and anti-OX42 antibody was used to label retinal microglia. Western blot was applied to evaluate the retinal interleukin (IL)-1 beta protein levels. Retinal histologic examination and electroretinography ( ERG) were also performed to evaluate the effects of naloxone on light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. RESULTS. TUNEL-positive cells were noted in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of the retina as early as 2 hours and peaked at 24 hours after exposure to light. OX42-positive microglia occurred in the ONL and subretinal space at 6 hours, peaked at 3 days, and changed morphologically from the resting ramified to the activated amoeboid. Expression of IL-1 beta protein was also significantly increased at 3 days. Compared with the control, the number of microglia in the outer retina was significantly decreased in the naloxone-treated group at 3 days, and the thickness of ONL and the amplitudes of dark-adapted a- and b-waves were also well preserved at 14 days. CONCLUSIONS. The activation and migration of microglia and the expression of neurotoxic factor (IL-1 beta) coincide with photoreceptor apoptosis, suggesting that activated microglia play a major role in light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Inhibiting microglial activation by naloxone significantly reduces this degeneration.