Müller cells increase survival of retinal ganglion cells – a coculture model of primary retinal ganglion cells and primary Müller cells

Abstract

PurposeMüller cells are considered to be vital in the maintenance of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and since RGCs are essential to maintain the neuronal function of the retina, a functioning symbiotic partnership between Müller cells and RGCs is fundamental. The present study evaluates glia‐neuron interactions in a coculture model of primary Müller cells and primary RGCs.MethodsTo investigate the Müller cell‐RGC interaction we developed a coculture model, in which primary Müller cells from mice were grown in inserts on top of pure primary RGC cultures likewise from mice. The impact of 24 h of starvation on the ability of Müller cells to protect RGCs was evaluated. Moreover, changes in glutamate uptake were studied in Müller cells as well as cell viability in response to starvation.ResultsThe presence of Müller cells significantly increased the survival of RGCs during normal conditions as well as during 24 h of pre‐starvation. Glutamate uptake capacity was significantly increased during starvation along with an increased Vmax. Starvation induced significantly reduced cell viability both in Müller cells and RGCs with a significantly greater reduction of cell viability in Müller cells.ConclusionsThe present study reveals an increased survival of RGCs in presence of Müller cells and herewith we confirm Müller cells as being key players in RGC homeostasis. Moreover, we verify the coculture model as being a unique approach to study the glia‐neuron partnership in inner retinal diseases.