Protective Effects of Intravitreal Injection of the Rho-Kinase Inhibitor Y-27632 in a Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rAION)

PURPOSE: We sought to explore the effects of intravitreal injection of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 in a rodent model of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). METHODS: The rAION model was established by using laser-induced photoactivation of intravenously administered Rose Bengal in rats. The rats received intravitreal injections of Y-27632 or PBS 1, 3, and 6 days after rAION induction. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at 2 days and 4 weeks after induction. Visual evoked potential (VEP) was used to evaluate the visual function at 4 weeks. Brn3a immunofluorescence staining of surviving RGCs and apoptosis assays of RGCs were performed at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Optic nerve head (ONH) width was significantly reduced in the Y-27632 group compared with that in the PBS group at 2 days after induction (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the P1 amplitude of flash-VEP (FVEP) in the Y-27632 group was significantly higher than that of the PBS group (p < 0.05). The RGC densities in the central and midperipheral retinas in the Y-27632 group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in apoptotic RGCs in the Y-27632 group than in the PBS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of Y-27632 had neuroprotective effects on ONH edema, RGC survival, and visual function preservation in rAION.