Lens epithelium-derived growth factor: neuroprotection on rat retinal damage induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate

The purpose of this study is to investigate possible neuroprotective effects of lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) against cell death induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in the rat retina. LEDGF and/or NMDA were intravitreally injected into rat eyes. NMDA-induced retinal death and protective effects of LEDGF were evaluated by morphometric analysis, cell numbers in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the thickness of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Retrograde labeling with a fluorescent tracer (Fluoro-Gold) was applied for counting retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that survived after NMDA injection. Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated fluroscein-16-dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to evaluate of retinal cell death. Morphometric analysis and retrograde labeling analysis showed that retinal damage induced by NMDA was protected significantly by LEDGF. TUNEL assay revealed that pretreatment with LEDGF prevents NMDA-induced apoptosis. Retinal damage (ganglion and amacrine cells) induced by NMDA was protected by an intravitreal injection of LEDGF.