Hydrogen-rich saline promotes survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of optic nerve crush

Ai-Jun Sun, Ai-Qing Qi, Jiajun Xu, Jing-Chuan Sun, Qiao Zuo, Ruo-Bing Wang, Tao Xu, Wen-Luo Cao, Xue-Jun Sun

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DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099299 DOI is the universal ID for this study.

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Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) in a rat model subjected to optic nerve crush (ONC).

Methods: We tested the hypothesis that after optic nerve crush (ONC), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) could be protected by H₂. Rats in different groups received saline or hydrogen-rich saline every day for 14 days after ONC. Retinas from animals in each group underwent measurements of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, cholera toxin beta (CTB) tracing, gamma synuclein staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining 2 weeks post operation. Flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP) and pupillary light reflex (PLR) were then tested to evaluate the function of optic nerve. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level in retina was evaluated.

Results: H&E, gamma synuclein staining and CTB tracing showed that the survival rate of RGCs in hydrogen saline-treated group was significantly higher than that in saline-treated group. Apoptosis of RGCs assessed by TUNEL staining were less observed in hydrogen saline-treated group. The MDA level in retina of H₂ group was much lower than that in placebo group. Furthermore, animals treated with hydrogen saline showed better function of optic nerve in assessments of FVEP and PLR.

Conclusion: These results demonstrated that H₂ protects RGCs and helps preserve the visual function after ONC and had a neuroprotective effect in a rat model subjected to ONC.


Publish Year 2014
Country China
Rank Positive
Journal PLoS One
Primary Topic Eye
Secondary TopicRetinal Injury
Model Rat
Tertiary TopicOptic Nerve Crush
Vehicle Saline (Dissolved)
pH Neutral
Application Injection
Comparison
Complement