Up-regulated CNTF plays a protective role for retrograde degeneration in the axotomized rat retina

Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridiza tion, we investigated the expression and cellular localization of ciliary n eurotrophic factor receptor alpha (CNTFR alpha) in the rat retina following optic nerve transection (ONT). Following ONT, a signal for CNTFR alpha mRN A appeared in a layer-specific and time-dependent manner. In the ganglion c ell layer, the signal showed a peak value I day after ONT, and then gradual ly decreased. in the inner nuclear layer the signal reached a peak value at 14 days of about 500% of control level, but then decreased at 4 weeks. Our findings suggest that CNTF might play a protective role for the retrograde degeneration of retinal cells induced by ganglion cell death in the rat re tina following ONT. NeuroReport 11:3893-3896 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.