Abstract
Purpose:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retina of diabetic rat model.
Methods:
Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced by peritoneal injection of streptozotocin. Apoptosis of RGCs were examined by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Expression of various markers related to RGC apoptosis were analyzed by western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining of the retina. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was examined to assess glial cell activation. The level of VEGF was checked by western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining of the retina.
Results:
Results: RGC apoptosis was apparent by TUNEL staining after induction of diabetic mellitus in the rat. GAFP immunoreactivity was upregulated in the rat retina after induction of diabetic mellitus. VEGF expression was increased throughout the retina.
Conclusions:
Conclusions: Diabetic changes induce RGC apoptosis. Activation of glial cells in the retina were observed. The effect of modulating VEGF on the diabetic retina need further investigation.
Keywords: 531 ganglion cells •
498 diabetes