EFFECTS OF TOTAL PANAX NOTOGINSENG SAPONINSON SURVIVAL OF RETINAL GANGLIONCELLS IN ADULT HAMSTERS

Objective: To investigate the effects of total panax notoginseng saponins (tPNS) on enhancing survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in adult hamster. Methods:Fluorescent retrograde tracing method and quantitative anatomical techniques were used to measured the densities of RGCs of normal and animals treated with tPNS in 5,7,and 14 days after axotomy. Results:① In normal retinas, the mean densities of RGCs were (2 007±115)/mm2. ②　5,7 and 14 days after axotomy, the mean densities of RGCs had decreased to (1 198±107)/mm2,(825±40)/mm2 and (196±10)/mm2,respectively.③ In the control group treated with sodium saline, the densities of RGCs in 5,7 and 14 days after axotomy were similar to those observed in the axotomized group. ④ In the group treated with tPNS, the densities of RGCs in 5,7 and 14 days after axotomy were (1 461±96)/mm2,(1 064±91)/mm2 and (302±19)/mm2 respectively. They were significantly different from the axotomized group or sodium saline group (P<0.05). Conclusions:tPNS could enhance RGCs survival after axotomy in adult hamsters. The inhibitory effect of tPNS on Ca2+ influx was related to enhancing the survival of RGCs after axotomy.