RESUMO
Objective: To observe the effect of Yiqi Mingmu Pill on the expression of BaxmRNA protein and caspase-3 mRNA in retina of RCS rats. Methods: Twenty-four RCS rats were randomly divided into three groups: blank group, model group, Yiqi Mingmu Pill group. In the blank group, there were 8 RCS (rdy+/+, p+/+) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, and they received intragastric administration of normal saline. The model group consisted of 8 RCS (rdy-/, p-/-) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, and they received intragastric administration of normal saline. Yiqi Mingmu Pills groupconsisted of 8 RCS (rdy-/, p-/-) rats, with 4 males and 4 females, respectively. They received intragastric administrationof suspension of Yiqi Mingmu Pills. After intragastric administration for 30 days, the structure of retina layers wasobserved by HE staining. BaxmRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA in retinal tissues of each group were measured by RT-qPCRand Western Blot. Results: HE staining showed that the retina thickness of rats in Yiqi Mingmu Pill group wassignificantly thicker than that of the model group. The retinal pigment epithelial band was partially visible, and part of theouter nuclear layer photoreceptor sensory ciliary layer was visible. The number of photoreceptor cell nuclei was higherthan that of the model. There were many groups. The outer layer, outer core layer, and the visual cone layer were clearerand thicker than the model group. RT-qPCR showed that the relative expression of Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA inYiqi Mingmu Pills group was significantly lower than the model group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01), WB test showed that the relative expression of Bax protein and Caspase-3 protein in Yiqi Mingmu Pill group wassignificantly lower than that in the model group, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.01) . Conclusion: YiqiMingmu Pill has protective effect on the ultrastructure of RP retina. Yiqi Mingmu Pills can reduce the apoptosis of retinalphotoreceptor cells by inhibiting the expression of BaxmRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA on the retina and protect the visualcells.