OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vivo survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after partial blockage of optic nerve (ON) axoplasmic flow by sub-retinal space or vitreous cavity injection of brain-derived neural factor (BDNF) produced by genetically modified neural progenitor cells (NPCs). METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat RGCs were labeled with granular blue (GB) applied to their main targets in the brain. Seven days later, the left ON was intra-obitally crushed with a 40 g power forceps to partially block ON axoplasmic flow. Animals were randomized to three groups. The left eye of each rat received a sham injection, NPCs injection or an injection of genetically modified neural progenitors producing BDNF (BDNF-NPCs). Seven, 15 and 30 days after ON crush, retinas were examined under a fluorescence microscope. By calculating and comparing the average RGCs densities and RGC apoptosis density, RGC survival was estimated and the neuro-protective effect of transplanted cells was evaluated. RESULTS: Seven, 15 and 30 days after crush, in the intra-vitreous injection group, mean RGC densities had decreased to 1885 +/- 68, 1562 +/- 20, 1380 +/- 7 and 1837 +/- 46, 1561 +/- 58, 1370 +/- 16, respectively with sham injection or neural progenitors injection. However, RGCs density in the groups treated with intra-vitreous injection of BDNF-NPC was 2101 +/- 15, 1809 +/- 19 and 1625 +/- 34. Similar results were found in groups after sub-retinal injection. Higher densities were observed in groups treated with BDNF-NPCs. There were statistically significant differences among groups through nonparametric tests followed by the Mann-Whitely test. RGC apoptosis density in BDNF-NPC at each follow-up time was less than in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: A continuous supply of neurotrophic factors by the injection of genetically modified neural progenitors presents a highly effective approach to counteract optic neuropathy and RGC degeneration after partial ON axoplasmic flow blockage.
OBJECTIVE: To review the major progress in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: Contents of this article were selected from the original papers or reviews related to primary angle closure glaucoma published in Chinese and foreign journals. A total of 76 articles were selected from several hundred original articles or reviews. The content of selected articles is in accordance with our purpose and the authors are authorized scientists in the study of glaucoma. RESULTS: Primary angle closure glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma in the Sino-Mongoloid population. PACG in Chinese can be classified into three types depending on the mechanism of angle closure: 1. Multimechanism: 54.8% of Chinese PACG is caused by co-existing factors. The pattern of angle closure appears to mainly be creeping closure. After iridectomy, almost 40% of the cases still manifest a positive response to the darkroom provocative test and progressive synechial closure or recurrent angle closure may occur. Several mechanisms are involved in this form of PACG such as pupillary blocking component, iris crowding component and anterior positioned ciliary body. These factors can coexist in the follow patterns: pupillary blocking and iris crowding coexist; pupillary blocking and anterior positioned ciliary body coexist or three of them co-exist. 2. Pupillary block: (38.1% of Chinese PACG) is caused by iris bombe due to pupillary block with acute or subacute attack. It responds well to iridectomy or laser iridotomy. 3. Non-pupillary blocking: (7.8% of Chinese PACG). They usually have a deeper anterior chamber, and tend to be younger (below 40 years of age). Angle closure in this form of PACG is caused by: iris crowding mechanism or/and anteriorly positioned ciliary body against iris root to angle. It is critical to distinguish multi-mechanism PACG from other types. The initial treatment for this type of PACG is also iridectomy, but after the pupillary block component is eliminated by iridectomy, the residual non-pupillary blocking compo
