The protection of dangguibuxuetang(当归补血汤)on the retinal ganglion cells of rabbits with experimental intraocular hypertension

OBJECTIVE To investigate protective effect of dangguibuxuetang(当归补血汤) on retinal ganglion cells in rabbits with experimental ocular hypertension when intraocular pressure were controlled to some degree METHODS Experimental ocular hypertension was produced by injecting 0 4% carbomer into anterior chambers The rabbits were divided into 4 groups: normal group、timolol group(T), timolol plus Dangguibuxuetang group(TC), and untreated control group(EP) At 4,6,and 8 weeks the rabbits were killed; retinas were obtained for pathological analysis The image analysis system was used for measuring the thick of nerve fiber layer of retina and RGCs density of flat mount preparation RESULTS RGCs of TC group 757 89±134 74(cells/mm 2), increased remarkably than EP group 433 29±119 66(cells/mm 2)( P 0 01);Thick of RNFL:TC group 31 28±2 01(μm),as thick as normal group, had significant difference with EP group( P 0 01)and T group( P 0 05) CONCLUSION When IOP controlled to some degree, dangguibuxuetang can protect RGCs by increasing the survival of RGCs,diminishing RNFL damage