Abstract:AIM:To investigate neuroprotective effects of Erigeron brevicapas hand mass(EBHM) on the optic nerve of chronic glaucoma model in rats. METHODS:Ninety adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The trabecular meshwork of both eyes of the 1st and 2nd group rats were performed photocoagulation with 532nm Krypton laser to establish chronic glaucoma model. Intraocular pressure(IOP) was measured by Tono-pen before and after surgery every week. After one week, EBHM was injected by 15mg/100g once a day in the 2nd group. The 3rd group acted as a control. All rats were killed at the 9th week. Retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) were counted based on the the wholemounted retinas stained with 1% toluidine blue. RESULTS:IOP of all the experimental eyes was increased. IOP was 14.70±3.2mmHg before operation. IOP of the experimented eyes was 27.25±4.75mmHg, 28.75±6.24mmHg, 25.47±5.60mmHg at the 3rd, 6th and 9th week respectively, there was a significant difference compared with preoperation. The value of the density of the RGCs was 1654±136 (per square millimeter )in the 1st group rat eyes and was 2135±125 in the 2nd group rats, was 2516±196 in the 3rd group basing on the wholemounted retinas stained with 1% toluidine blue.There was a significant difference between eyes treated with EBHM and the eyes in other 2 groups in the value of the density of the RGCs. CONCLUSION:The IOP of the experimental rat eyes was chronically and moderiately increased by a laser injury to the trabecular meshwork,the value of the density of the RGCs was declining.EBHM can partly afford neuroprotection on the optic damage induced by pressure.
