title: Viability of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve crush in adult rats.
abstract: The response of retinal ganglion cells to optic nerve crush was examined in the hooded rat. Intracranial nerve crush produces a transient shrinkage of the retinal ganglion cells during the first several weeks postoperatively but partial recovery of cell size then appears to occur. This transient response is considered to be a direct response to axotomy. Retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is clearly demonstrated at 2 weeks postoperatively. Transport of newly synthesized protein progressively decreases over the first 2 postoperative months. The ganglion cell therefore retains viability for at least the first few weeks after axotomy. Loss of 60% of the neurons in the ganglion cell layer occurs between 3 and 7 months postoperatively. This late occurring retrograde response is considered to result at least in part from loss of sustaining trophic influences rather than as a direct result of the lesion.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D002470:Cell Survival; D005260:Female; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D020221:Optic Nerve Injuries; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase