Neuroprotective Effect of Resveratrol after Optic Nerve Transection

Abstract

Purpose: : To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol in an optic nerve transection model and to identify the neuroprotective mechanism of Resveratrol on retinal ganglion cells (RGC).

Methods: : Optic nerve transection and retrograde labeling were performed in SD rats. Various concentrations of Resveratrol (1ng/ul, 3ng/ul, 10ng/ul, 30ng/ul, 100ng/ul) were injected intravitreally immediately after optic nerve transection. The number of labeled RGCs was determined at 1 week and 2 weeks after optic nerve transection. The effect of Resveratrol and Sirtinol (SIRT1 inhibitor) co-injection was also investigated. RGC-5 cells were cultured and differentiated with staurosporin. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Resveratrol on RGC-5 cells in serum free condition. RGC-5 cells were cultured with Sirtinol to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of Resveratrol.

Results: : A single intravitreal injection of Resveratrol (30ug/ul, 100ng/ul) was neuroprotective on RGC at 1 week after optic nerve transection (p<0.01). Dose-response relationship was observed between the concentration of Resveratrol and the neuroprotective effect. Repeated intravitreal injection of Resveratrol showed neuroprotective effect at 2 weeks after optic nerve transection (p<0.05). Co-injection of Resveratrol and Sirtinol diminished the neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol (p<0.01). Neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol was observed on RGC-5 cells in serum free condition and Sirtinol diminished the neuroprotective effect.

Conclusions: : Resveratrol exerts its neuroprotective effect via activation of the SIRT1 pathway in an optic nerve damage model. This finding demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Resveratrol in treating optic nerve diseases.

Keywords: neuroprotection • optic nerve • ganglion cells