Effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor on retinal ganglion cells of rats / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the pharmacological effects of recombined basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rats. METHODS: Using calibrated cross-action forceps a moderate crush injury was inflicted on the nerve. After crush injury, rbFGF, saline and VB 12 were administered by retrobublar injection. Four weeks after injury , the apoptosis of RGCs was measured with flow cytometer. RESULTS: Four weeks after operation, it was shown that the rbFGF, but not saline or VB 12 injection could significantly improve the maintainance of RGCs of rats. After 800 U, 1600 U and 2400 U rbFGF injection, the injured RGCs were rescued by 24.5%, 27.3% and 28.5% respectively. Furthermore, it was also found that rbFGF injection could effectively prevent the axons from injury. The flow cytometer showed that the rate of apoptosis was reduced markedly on 7 days at rbFGF group. CONCLUSION: rbFGF can significantly promote the functional repair of injured optic nerve. [