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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ligustrazine on optic nerve axons in rabbit eyes with continuous elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits with continuous elevated IOP induced by injection of α-chymotrypsin into the anterior chamber were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control groups. Ten mg/kg ligustrazine injected into the treatment group every day for three weeks began on the seventh day after IOP had been elevated continuously. The changes in conjunctival microcirculation and optic nerve axonal ultrastructures were observed at different time points. RESULTS: The destruction of the conjunctival microcirculation and axonal ultrastructure was milder in the treatment group than in the control group. In addition, in the treatment group, the total number of axons and the percentage of axons in the optic nerve area were higher, whereas the axonal diameter was smaller. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that ligustrazine protects optic nerve axons from more damage induced by elevated IOP by improving the ocular microcirculation.LA: Chinese
Dr. X. Li, Central Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Shandong 261031, China
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)