Exploration of thyrotropin releasing hormone-degrading ectoenzyme (TRH-DE) suppression and localisation in retina

Abstract

Since the identification of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), and its respective degrading enzyme (thyrotropin releasing hormone degrading ectoenzyme, TRH-DE) outside of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, the reason behind its expression in many areas of the CNS has been a topic of keen interest to the scientific community. Results from previous studies have highlighted the anti-apoptotic and anticonvulsant properties of TRH in several mouse models. The role of TRH in protecting neurons in animal models of brain trauma and spinal cord injury has been of particular interest. In an attempt to increase endogenous TRH levels, the research undertaken during the course of this study has been focused on suppression of TRH-DE expression (as evaluated at both the RNA and protein levels) using RNA interference (RNAi)- technology.