Spanish researchers have used the induction of neuronal degeneration of intense light exposure in mice retina in an experimental model of retinitis pigmentosa. It is hoped that the work will lead to a greater understanding and detection of new factors and molecules related to degenerative processes of the retina.

The work studied microglial cells, which are involved in disease and damage of the nervous system. Ana Maria Santos Carro of the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Granada examined the distribution and response of the cells in the retina of the mouse from its embryonic development, postnal and adult stages by subjecting it to a neurodegenerative process, induced by intense light exposure.

Carro said: "It is important to get to know the response of the microglial cells against neurodegenerative, because such cells are practically involved in all the diseases and damages of the nervous system, including Parkinson and Alzheimer's, and knowing their behaviour in pathologic situations could be helpful in the design of therapeutic strategies."