Effect of bFGF on the expression of Vimentin in retinal Miiller cells in experimental retina blunt trauma

Abstract

Objective Reactive gliosis which can promote the recovery of retina function at early stage of trauma,and basic fibroblast growth factor（bFGF） can activate Muller cells to accelerate healing of blunt trauma. Present study was to investigate the effect bFGF on Vimentin expression in Mtiller cells in experimental rabbit retinal blunt trauma. Methods An animal model of retinal blunt trauma was established in 24 rabbits by contusion of 3 J with a free falling iron bar. The model rabbits were divided into bFGF group,normal saline control group,trauma group and 2 normal rabbits were as control group. 10 μL of bFGF （2 μg） was intravitreonsly injected in bFGF group and the equal volume of normal saline was used in the normal saline control group after 3 days of retinal blunt trauma at a 2-day interval. The experimental rabbits were sacrificed and eyeballs were enucleated in 3 hours,1 day,3 days,7 days and 14 days to evaluate the Vimcntin expression in Muller cells by immunochemistry. Results The expression of Vimentin in MUller cells was increased markedly whatever in the intensity or quantity and showed a time- depended manner in both bFGF group and normal saline group. The statistically significance differences were seen in Vimentin expression between bFGF group and normal saline group in 1 day,3 days,7 days and 14 days after retinal blunt trauma （P 〈 0.05,P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusion bFGF can enhance the expression of Vimentin in Muller ceils and activate MUller cells to accelerate repairing of retinal blunt trauma. Key words: bFGF; Muller cells; Vimentin