Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase and NF–Kappa B expression in retina after optic nerve transection.
Methods: :
Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats ( 5–6 weeks, 250–300 g ) were used for this study. The optic nerve transection was performed without damaging the retinal blood vessel, the retina tissue were embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical stain 2, 4 and 6 days after axotomy Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ( PDTC ), an inhibitor of NF–Kappa B , were injected intravitreally with different concentration from 0.1–2mM immediately after optic nerve transection. Neurotracer dyes ( 4–di–10–asp ) were applid to optic nerve cutting stump for retinal ganglion cell counting.
Results: :
significant expression of MMP–2 was noted 6 days after optic nerve transection, significant expression of MMP–9 was noted 4 days after axotomy as well as expression of NF–Kappa B. 0.5 mM PDTC attenuated the death of retinal ganglion cell compared with control and PBS groups, it also suppressed the expression of MMP2, MMP9 and NF–Kappa B.
Conclusions: :
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase may be related to apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell, NF–Kappa B inhibitor may be served as an alternative therapeutic strategy in optic neuropathy.
Keywords: neuroprotection • cell survival • extracellular matrix