Inhibition of LPS-Induced Retinal Microglia Activation by Naloxone Does Not Prevent Photoreceptor Death

Microglia-associated inflammation is closely related to the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative disorders. We have previously shown in vivo that naloxone protected photoreceptors from light-induced apoptosis possibly through inhibiting microglial activation. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia on photoreceptor death and the influence of naloxone treatment using an in vitro retinal microglia and 661 W photoreceptor co-culture system. Immunofluorescent staining and ELISA measurements demonstrated that LPS activated microglia by changing the morphology and increasing the production of proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Flow cytometry analysis of annexin V/propidium iodide staining showed that LPS-activated microglia promoted the apoptosis of co-cultured 661 W photoreceptor cells. Naloxone inhibited microglial activation and decreased the release of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha but could not prevent photoreceptors from undergoing apoptosis. Considering the dual role of microglia-associated inflammation in both neurotoxicity and neuroprotection, modulating the function, rather than simply inhibiting their activation, might be a new therapeutic method for preventing photoreceptor degeneration.