title: Ameliorative effect of NAP on laser-induced retinal damage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  NAP is the smallest active element of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) in the non-myelinated neural tissue. This study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of NAP in reducing the spread of laser-induced retinal damage in rat.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laser lesions were created in 72 DA pigmented rats. Two groups were treated by one intravenous or intravitreal injection of NAP immediately after exposure to laser. Two control groups were similarly administered saline injection. Histological and morphometrical evaluations of the lesions were preformed 3, 20 and 60 days after photocoagulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After intravitreal treatment with NAP, a significant reduction in the diameter of the laser-induced lesions was found 3 days after photocoagulation (p < 0.001) but not after 20 and 60 days while the systemic treatment significantly reduced lesion diameter 20 and 60 days after photocoagulation (p = 0.001). Significant difference in photoreceptor cell loss was found in eyes treated intravitreally only 3 days after photocoagulation (p = 0.002). In the systemically treated animals such effect was found only after 20 and 60 days (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with NAP ameliorates laser-induced retinal lesions. Intravitreal treatment had an early short-term effect while the effect of systemic administration was delayed and prolonged. This treatment may be of clinical significance in reducing laser-induced retinal injuries in humans.
authors.affiliation: Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. markb120@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belokopytov
authors.forename: Shiri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shulman
authors.forename: Galina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dubinsky
authors.forename: Illana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gozes
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belkin
authors.forename: Mordechai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents