Altered Expression of Metallothionein-I and -II and Their Receptor Megalin in Inherited Photoreceptor Degeneration
PURPOSE. To examine in rodent models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) the expression of the neuroprotectants metallothionein-I and -II and of megalin, an endocytic receptor that mediates their transport into neurons. METHODS. Gene and protein expression were analyzed in retinas of rd1 and rds mice and in those of RCS (Royal College of Surgeons) rats of various ages. Glial cell markers (cellular retina