The anti-apoptotic function of dangguibuxuetang(当归补血汤)on the retinal ganglion cells of rabbits with experimental intraocular hypertension

OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-apoptotic function of dangguibuxuetang(当归补血汤)on the retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)of rabbits with experimental ocular hypertension controlled to some degree.METHODS Experimental ocular hypertension wa produced by injecting 0.4% carbomer into anterior chambers.39 rabbits were divided into normal group,timolol group(T),timolol plus dangguibuxuetang group(TC),and untreated control group(EP).To evaluate the results by the number of apoptotic RGCs and its ultrastructure they were killed respectively at 4,6,and 8 weeks.The retinas were obtained for pathological analysis.RESULTS MG-P-MY stained apoptotic RGCs:TC group 0.67±0.82 positive cells/section,the number of cells was lower than EP group 5.29±3.04/section (P0.01).T group 4±2.12/section.There was not significant difference between T group and EP group,but higher than TC group (P0.01).TUNEL-labeled RGCs:there were no significant difference within normal and two treated groups,but they all were significant lower apoptotic RGCs than EP group (P0.01).RGCs ultrastructure:the degeneration and vacuolization of RGCs in TC group was slighter than T and EP groups,no remarkable apoptotic cells had been seen in TC group.CONCLUSION With IOP controlled to some degree,dangguibuxuetang can protect RGCs and has the function of anti-apoptosis.