Activation of nuclear factor-κB during retinal degeneration in rd mice

Purpose: Transcription factors of the nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB) family have been demonstrated to play an important role in the regulation of gene expression in the chronic neurodegenerative disorders. The aims of the current study were to investigate the alteration of NF-κB activity during retinal degeneration in rd mice and further explore its role in photoreceptor apoptosis. Methods: Activation of NF-KB and its nuclear translocation in the retina of rd mice at postnatal days (P) 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 28 were studied by immunohistochemical analysis using NF-κB P65 antibody. The amount of NF-κB P65 protein and NF-κB DNA-binding activity in the whole retina were assessed by western blot analysis and gel shift analysis, respectively. Expression of NF-κB in microglial cells labeled with CD11b was determined by double labeling. Results: NF-κB P65 nuclear translocation and its DNA binding activity started to increase in the rd retina at P 10 and reached a peak at P12. Expressions of P65 remained at high levels from P 12 to P 18. Double labeling of P65 with CD11 at P14 showed colocalization of P65 in the microglial cells in the outer nuclear layer. Conclusions: NF-κB was activated in the retinal degeneration of rd mice. NF-κB modulation may play a role in the retinal degeneration through microglial activation.