Abstract
Purpose. We investigated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and activation of caspase 9 in rats with experimental glaucoma. Methods. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in rats using the Morrison model. Surviving backlabeled RGC were counted and TUNEL staining detected apoptosis. Procaspase 9 expression and activated caspase 9 were studied by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Results. IOP correlated with surviving RGC. TUNELpositive RGC were observed in animals with elevated IOP. Procaspase 9 levels increased with IOP intensity. Cleaved caspase 9 was detected by immunoblot only in rats with peak IOP above 35mmHg for =6 days. Cleaved caspase 9 staining was seen only in the ganglion cell layer of retinas from rats with peak IOP =32mmHg. Conclusions. RGC loss is correlated with IOP in experimental glaucoma. These results support activation of caspase 9, the intrinsic caspase cascade, in RGC death in experimental glaucoma.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
