Fig. 4

Minocycline treatment dampens microglia-related pro-inflammatory marker expression after light exposure. To determine the mRNA expression of inflammation associated genes in the retina, qRT-PCR analysis were performed 4 days after light exposure. a–c The microglia activation markers CD68 and AMWAP were significantly up-regulated after light exposure, and TSPO levels were also increased. In contrast, retinas from minocycline-treated mice expressed significantly less CD68 and AMWAP transcripts and also reduced mRNA levels of TSPO. d Minocycline treatment reduced the expression of CCL2 that was significantly elevated by light exposure. e IL6 was enhanced by light exposure, which was reversed in the minocycline administration group. f iNOS expression was not significantly altered. Data show mean ± SEM (control n = 4, light exposure n = 4, light exposure and minocycline treatment n = 5/group, measured in triplicates) with *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001