3.7. Immunohistochemical changes
The apoptosis induced by high glucose implicates hyperglycemia
as a causative factor, thus the role of BAX and BCL-2 in diabetes-
induced accelerated death of retinal cells was established.
3.7.1. BAX
BAX immunoreactivity was present in the inner retina, with
specific staining detected in cells of the Nerve Fibre Layer (NFL),
Inner Plexiform layer (IPL), Inner Nuclear Layer (INL) and Outer
Nuclear Layer (ONL), the endothelial and medial layers of blood
vessels. Least intensity of staining was seen in retina of nondiabetic
animals. Diabetic group showed intense BAX staining of
ganglion cells in the NFL. It selectively altered the retinal BAX
expression as it causes increased rates of apoptosis. However,
staining intensity was reduced in TC treated group (Fig. 11a–c).
3.7.2. BCL-2
Immunoreactivity due to BCL-2 was present in the retina, with
specific staining detected in cells of the nuclear fiber layer. NFL of
normal group retina showed least staining. Maximum staining
intensity was observed in the diabetic control group, indicating
maximum apoptosis. Reduction in staining in TC treatment group
indicated prevention against apoptosis (Fig. 11d–f).