Release of cytokines/myokines by retinal tissue at different times in a mouse model of glaucoma

Diverse cytokines released by retinal glial cells (IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, IFN‐, BDNF, VEGF and Fractalkine) were analyzed in order to determine the changes in the expression, at different times after unilateral laser‐induced ocular hypertension (OHT), both in OHT eyes and their contralateral eyes respect to naïve eyes. At each of time point after OHT induction (days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 15), 12 OHT retinas, 12 contralateral retinas and 12 naïve retinas (lasered group n = 60, naïve n = 12) from Albino Swiss mice were analyzed. The samples obtained were processed and multiarray kits (MILLIPLEX MAP Mouse Cytokine/Myokine Magnetic Bead Panel) were used to quantify the expression of cytokines. In OHT eyes, the expression of the following cytokines: BDNF (1, 3, 7 and 15 days), VEGF (1 day), IL‐4 (at all‐time points except day 15), IL‐6 (1, 3 and 5 days), IFN‐ (3, 5 and 15 days), IL‐10 (3 and 5 days), and Fractalkine (1 day) were significant higher than in naïve. In contralateral eyes, the following cytokines: IL‐6 (1, 5 and 7 days), IL‐1β (1 and 3 days), IL‐4 (7 and 15 days), IL‐10 (7 days) and IL‐17 (15 days) showed a significant increase in comparison with naïve After unilateral laser‐induced ocular hypertension, OHT eyes and contralateral eyes showed changes in the expression of the anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines associated with inflammatory process, mainly 3 days after OHT induction. These factors, which may be released by activated macroglia and microglia, may exert neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects. This work was supported by Ophthalmological Network OFTARED (RD12‐0034/0002 and RD12/0034/0014. Prevención, Detección Precoz y Tratamiento de la Patología Ocular Prevalente Degenerativa y Crónica), the Institute of Health of Carlos III of the Spanish Ministry of Economy; PN I+D+i 2008‐2011; ISCIII, General Subdirection of Networks and Cooperative Research Centers; by the FEDER European program. Grants to J.A. Fernández‐Albarral are currently supported by a Predoctoral Fellowship (FPU) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University.