Amyloid-Beta Oligomer and Fibril Formation for In-Vivo Analysis in Correlation with Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding retinal disease characterized by accumulation of drusen, extracellular deposits collecting under the retinal center. Amyloid-β (Aβ) was reported as a significant constituent of drusen and was implicated in the pathophysiology of AMD. Accumulating evidence supports an association between retinal deposition of Aβ aggregates and compromise of the retinal integrity. To date, the major pathogenic Aβ species in the retina and their correlating mechanism of Aβ-mediated retinal neurotoxicity remain unknown.

This project aims to investigate the impact of distinct Aβ species on the retinal function and structure in the rat. Retinal function and structure were studied following intravitreal injection of distinct, well characterized, Aβ assemblies in rats. Retinal function was studied by electroretinography (ERG) at specific time points after injection of the Aβ species, whereas the retinal structure was studied by retinal histological and immunostaining techniques.

Currently, no treatment is available to repair damaged cells of the neurosensory retina or RPE in eyes with AMD. Better understanding of the pathogenicity of Aβ aggregation and inhibition of Aβ assemblies may impact amyloid-mediated retinal neurodegeneration and will merit further investigation as a therapeutic avenue in AMD.