Expression of alpha B-crystallin in a mouse model of inherited retinal degeneration

alpha beta-CRYSTALLIN, Which is abundantly expressed in the lens but also i n a diversity of other tissues, functions as a stress-inducible molecular c haperone and is increased in brain neurodegenerative diseases. We compared retinal alpha beta-crystallin expression in a model of inherited retinal de generation, the rd mouse, and controls. Northern and in situ hybridization analysis showed alpha beta-crystallin mRNA to have an altered spatio-tempor al pattern with increased levels localized to glial cells in the degenerati ve state. Immunocytochemistry confirmed increased expression at Muller cell s and astrocytes, together With transiently increased localization to the d egenerating photoreceptors. These findings suggest that increased alpha bet a-crystallin expression is associated with glial cell reaction to neuronal damage in the retina, and may comprise part of the retina's overall defensi ve response to the stress of apoptotic photoreceptor cell death. (C) 1998 L ippincott Williams & Wilkins.