Structural Changes of Retina in the Development of Glaucoma in DBA/2 Mice

The retina is a highly specialized structure consisting of neurons, glial cells, and pigment epithelial cells. Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, and retinal nerve fibre layer thinning. This study aimed to validate an experimental glaucoma model and examine retinal structural changes during disease development. Female DBA/2 mice, genetically predisposed to glaucoma, were used as the experimental group, while pre-glaucomatous DBA/2 and non-glaucomatous C57Bl/6 mice served as controls. IOP was measured biweekly. Retinal sections were analysed histologically for retinal thickness, individual layer thickness, and the number of cells within the ganglion cell layer. Glaucomatous DBA/2 mice exhibited significantly higher IOP and significant retinal thinning. Structural changes were observed as reduced outer plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer thickness and increased inner plexiform layer thickness. Ganglion cell layer cell counts decreased in glaucomatous mice in both central and peripheral regions. In conclusion, DBA/2 mice develop hallmark glaucoma features while retinal thinning is layer-specific. Understanding the sequence of retinal damage, including RGC axonal dysfunction and cell death, is critical for designing advanced preclinical research strategies and, in the future, developing targeted therapies.