Deletion of p75(NTR) prevents vaso-obliteration and retinal neovascularization via activation of Trk- A receptor in ischemic retinopathy model

Ischemic retinopathy is characterized by ischemia followed by retinal neovascularization (RNV) resulting in visual impairment. Given the role of neuron-secreted growth factors in regulating angiogenesis, we examined how genetic deletion of the neurotrophin receptor; p75(NTR) can overcome retinal ischemia using oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. Wildtype (WT) or p75(NTR−/−) mice pups were subjected to hyperoxia (70% O(2), p7-p12) then returned to normal air (relative hypoxia, p12-p17). Vascular alterations were assessed at p12 and p17 time-points. Deletion of p75(NTR) prevented hyperoxia-associated central vascular cell death (p12) and hypoxia-associated RNV and enhanced central vascular repair (p17). Decreased expression of apoptotic markers; preserved Akt survival signal decreased proNGF were also observed at p12. During hypoxia, deletion of p75(NTR) maintained VEGF and VEGFR2 activation and restored NGF/proNGF and BDNF/proBDNF levels. Deletion of p75(NTR) coincided with significant increases in expression and activation of NGF survival receptor, TrkA at basal and hyperoxic condition. Pharmacological inhibition of TrkA using compound K-252a (0.5 μg 1 μl(−1)/eye) resulted in 2-fold increase in pathological RNV and 1.34-fold increase in central vascular cell death in p75(NTR−/−) pups. In conclusion, deletion of p75(NTR) protected against retinal ischemia and prevented RNV, in part, through restoring neurotrophic support and activating TrkA receptor.