Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) has been proposed as a chemical light signal and neural system modulator via heme oxygenases -1 and -2 (HO-1 and HO-2). Many papers have proven the CO-HO circuit to be important for such physiological pathways as the molecular biological clock and the GnRH axis, but also in such pathological occurrences as ischemic injuries, or inflammation as a regenerative and neuroprotective factor. In this in vivo experiment, we used three groups of pigs: control—housed in natural conditions without any procedures; without CO—adapted and kept in constant darkness, infused with blank plasma; and with CO—adapted and kept in constant darkness infused with CO-enriched plasma. After the experiments, each animal was slaughtered and its eyes were collected for further analysis. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to show statistical differences in the expressions between the experimental groups. Our data revealed that exogenous CO is regulator of mRNA transcription for HO-1 and HO-2 and PCNA. Moreover, the mRNA abundance of analyzed factors in the experimental group after CO elevation revealed a restored gene-expression level similar to the control group, which we had observed in the group’s restored protein level after CO elevation. In conclusion, exogenous CO regulates HO’s and PCNA gene expression on transcriptional and translational levels in a similar way as a light cue.
Highlights
The retina tissue of the eye consists of rods and cone nerve endings which are responsible for sending information concerning light intensity and colour after processing by downstream retinal neurons
The observed difference in the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, HO-2 and PCNA gens among the three groups of studied animals (Figure 1)
These results suggest that blood flows through the thin-walled vessels in the retina with a substantial stock of substrate, because the enzymatic transformation of heme oxygenase depends on light to biliverdin and carbon monoxide (CO) [28], causing an increase in CO in the blood
Summary
The retina tissue of the eye consists of rods and cone nerve endings which are responsible for sending information concerning light intensity and colour after processing by downstream retinal neurons (bipolar, horizontal, amacrine and ganglion cells). Light signals are transmitted to the brain via the axons of ganglion cells for further analysis This part of the retina is mainly responsible for the transmission of the image-forming signal c. In the past few years, scientist have identified small subsets of retinal ganglion cells which are intrinsically photosensitive. This part is responsible for the transmission non-image-forming light signal through the use of photo pigment melanopsin [1]. These structures are the most sensitive to factors of a changing environment and contribute to increased or decreased HO enzyme and carbon monoxide (CO) production.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
