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OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether retinal ganglion cell death in experimental glaucoma is induced by apoptosis. METHODS: Chronic elevated eye pressure was produced by injecting fixed erythrocytes into the anterior chambers of rabbits, which were killed at seven, 14, 21 and 28 days postoperatively. Analytic methods included electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry staining for DNA fragmentation (TUNEL method). RESULTS: Dead ganglion cells in experimental retinas exhibited morphological features of chromatin condensation. Cells with a positive reaction for DNA fragmentation were observed in eyes subjected to experimental glaucoma and none in control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The death of retinal ganglion cells in rabbits with experimental glaucoma was through apoptosis. It may be possible to treat glaucomatous damage to the retina by potential interruption of the program of cell death. LA: Chinese
Z. Shuihua, Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
1.3 Pathogenesis (Part of: 1 General aspects)