Objective Molecular cloning of rat retinal degeneration slow(RDS)gene cDNA. Methods Using PolyA+RNA from retina of SD rat as template,a 1555bp positive cDNA band was obtained by RT-PCR and subcloned into pBluescriptⅡKS(+) vector.The cloned fragment was analyzed with restriction endonucleases and sequencing. Results It had been proved that the cloned fragment was rat RDS/peripherin cDNA.Except for the substitute of A1242G and CA1409-1411CCA,the other sequences corresponded to that reported by Begy. Conclusion Rat RDS/peripherin cDNA was obtained.Researches on function of rat RDS/peripherin gene and its role in retinal degeneration are under way. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1999,15:97-99)
Eighteen SD rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were observed for the influence of magnesium in glycolytic pathway in their retinal tissue.The diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups:6 of them drank 0.5% Mgso4 solution every day,6 received intramuscular Mgso4 (0.05/kg)in half month interval,and the another 6 drank tape water every day.Six normal rats were employed as employed as nondiabetic control.The activity of the three crucial rate-limiting enzymes ralating to glycolytic pathway-hexokinase,phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase in retinal tissue of the rats was investigated after a period of 30days.The results revealed that the levels of the enzymes were significantly depressed in diabetic rats not taking magnesium,while the enzyme levels maintained nearly the same in diabetic rats taking magnesium,while the enzyme levels maintained nearly the same in diabetic rats taking magnesium as in the control group.This suggested that the glycolytic pathway in retinal tissue was disturbed in early stage of diabtes,and magnesium might play an important role in maintaining the normal metabolism of glucose. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1993,9:81-83)