Nerve growth factor helps protect retina in experimental retinal detachment.

PURPOSE

To investigate the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor TrkA on the retina at different time points after retinal detachment (RD) and the protection effect of NGF in experimental RD.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were used as an RD animal model by injection of 0.1% sodium hyaluronate under the neurosensory retina. The expression of endogenous NGF and its receptor TrkA in the rat retina was detected using immunohistochemistry. The NGF (5 mug/eye) or phosphate-buffered saline were injected separately into vitreous every 4 days after the RD. The rat eyes were then observed at various time points. Morphologic changes were investigated by light microscopy. Retinal gliosis was detected by glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling.

RESULTS

The expression of endogenous NGF and TrkA was upregulated during RD procedure. Most of the NGF-treated retina had a well-organized structure. In NGF-treated RD eyes, the cells were still significantly more numerous than in phosphate-buffered-saline-treated retina. Glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling increased quickly after RD; the NGF-treated retina had less reactive gliosis than the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal injection of exogenous NGF can protect retinal cells from degeneration in experimental RD. It may exert its protective action by preventing the apoptosis of retinal cells after RD.