Objective
To study the effects of neonatol rabbit Schwann cells(SC) on repair of optic contusion in adult rabbits.
Methods
24 h after the adult rabbit optic nerves was contused,0.1 ml of SC suspension (group A) and saline water (group B) were injected into the vitreous of injured eyes respectively.All the animals were studied by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and axon counting,flash visual evoked potential (FVEP) tests at various intervals after injury.
Results
At the 4th week after injury,the number of RGC was (19.89plusmn;3.79)/mm in group A and (12.67plusmn;4.12)/mm in group B,and the density of axons was (94.569plusmn;793)/mm2 in group A and (36.085plusmn;285)/mm2 in group B.There was dramatical difference between group A and B (Plt;0.01).The amplitude of FVEP wave of group A increased from 48% to 88% on the 3rd day after injury,and still dept 78% at the 8th week and group A was significantly higher than group B at various intervals (Plt;0.01).
Conclusion
SC are effective in promoting the repair of optic nerve contusion by increasing the survival rate of RGC,rescuing axons from degeneration,and dramatically promoting the function of the optic nerve.
(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,2000,16:91-93)
