Reactive metabolites impair neuroretinal function

Reactive metabolites are involved in the development of neurovascular dysfunction observed in diabetic retinopathy. Accumulation of reactive metabolites such as methylglyoxal (MG) is found under chronic hyperglycemia. However, the direct effect of MG on the neurovascular unit has not been identified. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of MG on neuroretinal functions as assessed by electroretinography. 8-weeks-old normoglycemic Wistar rats were treated with MG (50mmol/L) for 4 weeks. Retinal levels of MG were measured at 7 days in a subgroup of MG supplemented and unsupplemented animals by derivat…