The Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Induces Myopic Development by Activating Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in Guinea Pigs

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096952
• Publication Date: 2014-05-08T18:20:42Z
• Authors: Minjie Chen; Yishan Qian; Jinhui Dai; Renyuan Chu
• Keywords: Cyclopamine

Purpose To investigate whether the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling induces myopic development by increasing expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in guinea pigs. Methods A translucent diffuser was glued onto right eye to induce form-deprivation myopia (FDM) 10 Four pigs were served as a control group. The other 100 subdivided into 5 groups (20 per group) and received µl intravitreal injection every 2 days for 4 times. Two injected with 20 or 50 µg/ml Shh amino-terminal peptide (Shh-N) 0.1% bovine serum albumin other. FDM induced eyes three cyclopamine-treated both 50, 100, 200 cyclopamine. Retinoscopic refraction dimensions assessed on Day 14 treatment. MMP-2 protein determined scleras western blotting. Results Both concentrations Shh-N stimulated axial growth compared eyes. Myopia elongation significantly greater than group (P<0.001 P = 0.0019, respectively). All doses cyclopamine attenuated (P<0.0001). Cyclopamine at reduced (P 0.044 0.001, FDM-induced (P<0.0001 0.008, Shh-N–treated eyes, lower plus Conclusions pathway activating