Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the effects of Nrf2 activator on retinal ganglion cell survival and its molecular mechanisms in a rodent model of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION)
Methods :
AION induction was achieved using laser-coupled photoactivation of optic disc after intravenously injection of rose Bengal through tail vein6. The male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: (1) sham, (2) AION induction and subcutaneously (SC) injected with PBS, (3) AION induction and SC injected with RTA402 (20mg/Kg in 0.2ml PBS) for 3 consecutive days. Animals were sacrificed at different time post infarct. Evaluation methods include TUENL assay and retrograde labeling FluoroGold (FG) of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), immunohistochemical studies of ED1 in optic nerve (ON). Western blot analysis for pro-surviving signaling. Visual function evaluated by flash visual evoked potential (FVEP).
Results :
RTA402 treatment significantly reduced optic nerve edema in the acute phase of rAION. The RGC survival were significantly improved in AION induction with RTA402-treated rats compared with those of AION induction with PBS-treated rats (79.6% vs 35.95% survival in the central and 85.9% vs 40.4% in mid-peripheral retina). For FVEP assessment, RTA402 treatment significantly restored the visual function after AION induction. Furthermore, less ED1 positive cells were accumulated in RTA402-treated ON indicate the anti-inflammatory effect of RTA402 at the ON after infarct.
Conclusions :
Our results demonstrated that the rescue effects of RTA402 in rAION model work through the dual actions of anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.