SCIENTIFIC REPORT Neuroglobin in normal retina and retina from eyes with advanced glaucoma

protein that reversibly binds oxygen. Neuroglobin was discovered in 2000, initially in brain and later, at a 100 times greater concentration, in mouse retina. This protein may be involved in oxygen transport, and/or protection against oxidative stress or premature apoptosis. Aim: To examine the expression of neuroglobin in normal human retina and also in retina from eyes with advanced glaucoma, where hypoxia and ischaemia may be pathological factors. Methods: Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were used to examine sections of normal human retina and retina from eyes with end-stage glaucoma. Results: Staining for neuroglobin was present in the plexiform layers and the photoreceptor inner segments in human retina, and increased expression was found to occur in these areas, as well as in the nuclear layers in advanced glaucoma. Much les