ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To explore effect of retinal stem cells (RSCs) combined with copolymer-1 (COP-1) immunotherapy on optic nerve damage in glaucoma rat model.@*METHODS@#A total of 40 SD rats were selected for glaucoma model and were randomly divided into 4 groups to observe protective effects of RSCs transplantation combined with COP-1.@*RESULTS@#Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were either positive in retina of RSCs transplanted or COP-1 immunological treated rat. Positive rate of BDNF and IGF-1 and expression of mRNA and protein were significantly higher in RSCs transplantation combined with COP-1 immunotherapy treated rats compared with the other 3 groups, in which amount of apoptotic RGCs was lowest.@*CONCLUSIONS@#RSCs transplantation combined with COP-1 immunotherapy can promote the secretion of BDNF and IGF-1. They protect RGCs in glaucoma rats in coordination, significantly reduce the number of apoptosis RGCs so as to alleviate the optic nerve damage. It ponits a new research direction for treatment of glaucoma.