Myelination transition zone astrocytes are constitutively phagocytic and have synuclein dependent reactivity in glaucoma

摘要: Optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes have been proposed to play both protective and deleterious roles in glaucoma. We now show that, within the postlaminar ONH myelination transition zone (MTZ), there are that normally express Mac-2 (also known as Lgals3 or galectin-3), a gene typically expressed only phagocytic cells. Surprisingly, even healthy mice, MTZ other constitutive internalize large axonal evulsions contain whole organelles. In mouse glaucoma models, further up-regulate expression. During glaucomatous degeneration, dystrophic processes retina optic nerve, including MTZ, which protease resistant γ-synuclein. The increased expression by during likely depends on this γ-synuclein, mice lacking γ-synuclein fail at after elevation of intraocular pressure. These results suggest possibility newly discovered normal degradative pathway for axons might contribute neurodegeneration.