Cell-Subtype-Specific Remodeling of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Recent evidence suggests that melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), a neuronal class regulating non-image forming (NIF) vision and generally thought to be injury resistant, are dysfunctional in certain neurodegenerative diseases. Although disrupted NIF visual functions have been reported patients animals with diabetes, it remains controversial whether ipRGCs exhibit remodeling during diabetes if so, such is variable among ipRGC subtypes. Here, we demonstrate survival, soma-dendritic profiles, melanopsin-based functional activity of M1 were unaltered streptozotocin-induced 3-month diabetic mice. Such resistance remained at 6 months after streptozotocin administration. In contrast, M2/M3 underwent significant mice, manifested by enlarged somata increased dendritic branching complexity. Consistent the melanopsin levels, sensitivity was unchanged surviving M2 cells, but their response gain displayed compensatory enhancement. Meanwhile, pupillary light reflex, function controlled found impaired animals. The might attributed adjacency dendrites capillaries, which makes them less disturbed blood supply early stage diabetes.