Figure 7
From: βA3/A1-crystallin is a critical mediator of STAT3 signaling in optic nerve astrocytes
Cryba1 knockout mice exhibit an abnormal astrocyte template and retinal vessels.
Retinal flat mounts from 10 month old Cryba1fl/fl (controls) or Cryba1 KO mice were stained with GFAP (red; astrocytes) and GS isolectin (green; blood vessels). Control retina showing normal astrocyte/blood vessel patterning (a, b, c). (c) Higher magnification demonstrated the astrocyte endfeet on retinal vessels (arrow). The Cryba1 KO retinas have abnormal astrocyte patterning (d–f) with astrocyte aggregates in focal areas (arrows in e and f). In some areas, astrocytes form swirls on retinal vessels (arrow in g). The retinal vessels of the Cryba1 KO mice show unusual budding and networks (arrow in h) as well as constriction of larger vessels with abnormal orientation (arrow in i). n = 5 Cryba1fl/fl animals and 5 Cryba1 KO animals. Bar = 500,000 nm (f), 100 µm (a, b, d) and 50 µm (c, e, g, h, i).
