Innovative Retinal Imaging in Mice Detects Early Immune Activity Before Onset of Diabetic Eye Damage

Recent advancements in live retinal imaging technology have enabled researchers to observe immune cell activity in the eyes of mice well before any signs of diabetic-related damage appear. Developed by scientists at Kobe University, this novel method allows for detailed, long-term visualization of the retina, capturing the minute movements of microglia—immune cells that inhabit the retina and monitor its environment.

Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide, traditionally attributed to blood vessel damage in the retina. However, emerging research suggests that cellular and immune abnormalities, particularly involving microglia, precede vascular issues. Tachibana Yoshihisa, a neurophysiologist at Kobe University, explains that microglia initiate inflammation in response to abnormalities, but their behavior has been difficult to study in living organisms using existing technologies.

The new imaging approach combines a head-fixation device, custom contact lenses, and a specialized objective lens, making high-resolution observation more accessible and practical. This setup has allowed scientists to record microglial responses in live mice, revealing increased immune monitoring activity prior to visible tissue damage or blood vessel rupture.

Published in the journal PNAS, the study reports that elevated microglial activity occurs early in diabetic mice, serving as an early warning sign for impending tissue damage. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that immune activity was only a secondary response and opens new avenues for early diagnosis.

Furthermore, the research examined the effects of the diabetes drug liraglutide. The team observed that while liraglutide normalized microglial activity in diabetic mice, it also suppressed microglial movements in healthy mice without altering blood sugar levels. This indicates that liraglutide may directly affect immune cells in the retina, independent of its glucose-lowering effects.

The ability to monitor immune responses within the living eye offers promising implications for diagnosing and treating retinal diseases. Researchers anticipate that this technology could extend to other conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Ultimately, it aims to transform the eye into a non-invasive window for detecting systemic diseases early, potentially preventing vision loss caused by diabetic eye disease.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-retinal-imaging-mice-reveals-early.html