AIM: To study the histological and ultrastructural changes of mouse retina after exposure to e-cigarette and the potential mechanism.

METHODS: Totally 18 male c57BL mice aged 8-week-old were divided into control group(n=6), 0mg nicotine group(n=6)and 12mg nicotine group(n=6). The histological and ultrastructural changes of retina were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM), respectively. Additionally, the expression of Tuj1 and 8-OHdG was examined using immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS: In comparison with control group, the thickness of whole retina, nerve fiber layer(NFL)and inner plexiform layer(IPL)was significantly decreased in experimental groups(0mg and 12mg nicotine group)(P<0.01), but no significant difference was observed between 0mg and 12mg nicotine group(P>0.05). The dramatically reduced microvilli of RPE cells were also observed in experimental groups using TEM. Furthermore, residual microvilli were shortened. The expression of Tuj1 was decreased in ganglion cell layer(GCL), NFL and IPL, but no significant changes in the number of retinal ganglion cells were shown among three groups(P>0.05). In addition, the increased expression of 8-OHdG was observed in GCL and inner nuclear layer(INL)in experimental groups.

CONCLUSION: E-cigarette can lead to the retinal damages in mice, which might be due to oxidative stress.