ABSTRACT
0.05).Histopathologic examination showed no changes in the right gastrocnemius muscles injected with BTXA gel,but ultrastructurally the myopathic changes were clearly visible,like diffuse sarcomere disruption and saroplasmic reticulum expanding.The myofibre degeneration showed no remission 12 months after BTXA gel injection.Conclusion BTXA is dissolved in gel evenly.The long-lasting myofibre degeneration in BTXA gel paralyzed muscles may reflect that the paralyzed muscles fail to regain their unique function and recovery of muscle contraction.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate in vivo survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after partial blockage of optic nerve (ON) axoplasmic flow by sub-retinal space or vitreous cavity injection of brain-derived neural factor (BDNF) produced by genetically modified neural progenitor cells (NPCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat RGCs were labeled with granular blue (GB) applied to their main targets in the brain. Seven days later, the left ON was intra-obitally crushed with a 40 g power forceps to partially block ON axoplasmic flow. Animals were randomized to three groups. The left eye of each rat received a sham injection, NPCs injection or an injection of genetically modified neural progenitors producing BDNF (BDNF-NPCs). Seven, 15 and 30 days after ON crush, retinas were examined under a fluorescence microscope. By calculating and comparing the average RGCs densities and RGC apoptosis density, RGC survival was estimated and the neuro-protective effect of transplanted cells was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven, 15 and 30 days after crush, in the intra-vitreous injection group, mean RGC densities had decreased to 1885 +/- 68, 1562 +/- 20, 1380 +/- 7 and 1837 +/- 46, 1561 +/- 58, 1370 +/- 16, respectively with sham injection or neural progenitors injection. However, RGCs density in the groups treated with intra-vitreous injection of BDNF-NPC was 2101 +/- 15, 1809 +/- 19 and 1625 +/- 34. Similar results were found in groups after sub-retinal injection. Higher densities were observed in groups treated with BDNF-NPCs. There were statistically significant differences among groups through nonparametric tests followed by the Mann-Whitely test. RGC apoptosis density in BDNF-NPC at each follow-up time was less than in other groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A continuous supply of neurotrophic factors by the injection of genetically modified neural progenitors presents a highly effective approach to counteract optic neuropathy and RGC degeneration after partial ON axoplasmic flow blockage.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Apoptosis , Axonal Transport , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , Genetics , Cell Survival , Gene Transfer Techniques , Genetic Therapy , Glaucoma , Therapeutics , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Retinal Ganglion Cells , Cell Biology , Stem Cells , Physiology , Vitreous Body , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To study the significance of detection the short term fluctuation ( SF) of macular light threshold detected by Octopus 123 automatic perimeter in suspected early age related macular dege neration (AMD). Methods SF of macular light sensitivity, Amsler chart and central visual acuity were examined in 51 patients(66 eyes) with suspected early AMD group and in 32 patients (40 eyes) in the control group. Results SF were significantly different in suspected early AMD group and control group. SF was more sensitive than the examination of central visual acuity and Amsler chart. SF was related to the quantity, location and quality of drusen. Conclusion Visual function of some suspected early AMD patients with drusen may be damaged, though the central visual acuity appears normal.