[Transcription changes of alpha A-crystallins gene during the development of retinal degeneration in Rd, Rds and C3H mouse].

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between retinal alpha A-crystallins and the development of retinal degeneration in rd, rds and C3H mice. METHODS: Total retinal mRNA was prepared from the retina of (rd) retinal degeneration, (rds) retinal degeneration slow, C3H and control C3B mice during the progress of retinal degeneration (Post-natal 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 weeks). The retinal expression of alpha A-crystallins was determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. RESULTS: Expression of retinal alpha A-crystallins is rather stable in rd, rds and C3H mice during the progress of their retinal degeneration. The expression is also similar to that in normal C3B mice but different to that in Royal college of surgeons(RCS) rats. CONCLUSION: Retinal alpha A-crystallins may not involve in the course of RP in rd, rds and C3H mice. The molecular mechanism of RP in rd, rds and C3H may be different to that in RCS rat.