Platelet-derived growth factor (
PDGF)-C is a member of the PDGF family and is critical for neuronal survival in the central nervous system. We studied the possible survival and antiapoptotic effects of
PDGF-C on focal
retinal lesions in Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-) on C57BL/6N [Crb1(rd8)] (DKO rd8) background mice, a model for progressive and focal
retinal degeneration. We found no difference in transcript and
protein expression of
PDGF-C in the retina between DKO rd8 mice and wild type (WT, C57BL/6N). Recombinant
PDGF-CC protein (500 ng/eye) was injected intravitreally into the right eye of DKO rd8 mice with
phosphate-buffered saline as controls into the left eye. The
retinal effects of
PDGF-C were assessed by fundoscopy, ocular histopathology, A2E levels, apoptotic molecule analysis, and direct flat mount
retinal vascular labeling. We found that the
PDGF-CC-treated eyes showed slower progression or attenuation of the focal
retinal lesions, lesser photoreceptor and
retinal pigment epithelial degeneration resulting in better-preserved photoreceptor structure. Lower expression of apoptotic molecules was detected in the
PDGF-CC-treated eyes than in controls. In addition, no
retinal neovascularization was observed after
PDGF-CC treatment. Our results demonstrate that
PDGF-C potently ameliorates photoreceptor degeneration via the suppression of apoptotic pathways without inducing
retinal angiogenesis. The protective effects of
PDGF-C suggest a novel alternative approach for potential age-related
retinal degeneration treatment.