EPO protects Müller cell under high glucose state through BDNF/TrkB pathway

Neurotrophic factor decreased in the early stage of diabetic retinal nerve cells. Neurons damage brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and receptor TrkB expression reduced. Erythropoietin (EPO) plays an important role in protecting early diabetic retinopathy. The rats were euthanized at 24 h after EPO vitreous injection and the retina was separated. HE staining was applied to observe the pathological tissue morphology. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to detect BDNF, TrkB, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and glial fibrillary acidic portein (GFAP) expression. Retinal structure was clear in group C, while the retinal thickness and RGCs number decreased in group B at 24 w. Retinal thickness in group E was greater than in group B but lower than in group C. GFAP and ERK expression increased in both group B and E, whereas the latter was significantly lower than the former. TrkB protein level was in group E > B > C at 4 w, while it was in group C > group E > group B at 24 w. BDNF expression in group B was higher than in group C at 4 w, whereas it was opposite at 24 w. BDNF expression increased in group E at 4 w, and it was similar in group E compared with group C at 24 w. EPO vitreous injection can increase BDNF and TrkB expression, while reduce GFAP and ERK expression in diabetes rat retina. It could protect Müller cells through BDNF/TrkB pathway to play a role of nerve nutrition.