THE PROTECTION OF bFGF TO RABBIT'S RETINAL GANGLION CELLS UNDER HIGH INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE

Objective: To explore the protective role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to rabbit's retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure. Methods: Rabbits with continuous elevated intraocular pressure induced by injection of methyl cellulose into anterior chamber once a week were divided into three groups at random: high intraocular pressure group, surgical control group and treatment group, a normal group was set for comparing. bFGF was injected into vitreous body in treatment group once a week, there was no treatment to high intraocular pressure group, an equal volume of phosphate buffered saline was injected into vitreous body in surgical control group as well as treatment group, the experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was tested in all groups once a week, and the b-wave amplitude curve was studied in all groups. Finally, ultrastructure changes of retinal ganglion cells were examed through light and electron microscope. Results: The b-wave amplitude curve in treatment group descended slightly, similar to normal group, while it descended distinctly in two control groups, analysis of variance was used as statistic method. Only slight ultrastructure changes in treatment group could be seen comparing to the control groups. Conclusion: As a kind of neurotrophin, bFGF can protect rabbit's retinal ganglion cells under high intraocular pressure.