Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the therapeutic effect of the hybrid antioxidant-nitric oxide donating compound SA-2 in protecting RGCs against stroke-induced RGC death.
Methods :
Transient ischemia was induced in one eye of C57BL/6 mice by raising intraocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 30-60 min followed by retinal reperfusion by restoring normal pressure. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function was measured by Pattern ERG (PERG). Retinal layer thickness was assessed by Hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E stain). RGCs were counted after retrograde labeling with RBPMS. Intravitreal injection of SA-2, a hybrid antioxidant-nitric oxide donating compound, was used to assess the neuroprotective effect of SA-2.
Results :
Retinal layers showed diminished thickness following I/R and such an effect was abolished by intravitreal injection of SA-2. RGC numbers were significantly reduced in I/R mice and SA-2 injection increased RGC number. The average PERG amplitude of sham mice was 30.1 + 2.5 µV (n=8), whereas the average PERG amplitude of PBS-treated-I/R mice was significantly reduced from that of sham-mice (5.1 + 0.3 µV, n =5, p<0.05 vs. sham). However, the average PERG amplitude of SA-2-injected–I/R mice increased significantly when compared to PBS-injected-I/R mice (11 + 2.3 µV, P<0.05, n=5) suggesting partial rescue of RGC function.
Conclusions :
Compound SA-2 appears to exert a neuroprotective effect under ischemic insults and may represent a new therapeutic approach in ischemic retinal diseases as central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.