HIF-1 expression in retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve axons in glaucoma HIF-1 expression in retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve axons in glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is a result of increased intraocular pressure leading to damage to retinal ganglion cells and<br />optic nerve axons. The aim of this study was to evaluate HIF-1 expression in optic nerve axons and retinal<br />ganglion cells in 42 eyes enucleated because of complete glaucoma compared to eyes removed because of injury.<br />The immunohistochemical reaction was done and specimens were examined under a light microscope. 57% of<br />cases presented HIF-1 expression in the optic nerve axons, and 52.3% in the retinal ganglion cells. 20 out of 42<br />(47.6%) cases were HIF-1 positive both in the optic nerve axons and in the retinal ganglion cells, and the staining<br />was evident mostly in the nuclear and perinuclear area. Our present results indicate that HIF-1 expression in<br />hypoxic conditions in glaucoma might be a very crucial stage in damage to retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve<br />axons, and might be a successful target for the implementation of neuroprotective drugs.Glaucoma is a result of increased intraocular pressure leading to damage to retinal ganglion cells and<br />optic nerve axons. The aim of this study was to evaluate HIF-1 expression in optic nerve axons and retinal<br />ganglion cells in 42 eyes enucleated because of complete glaucoma compared to eyes removed because of injury.<br />The immunohistochemical reaction was done and specimens were examined under a light microscope. 57% of<br />cases presented HIF-1 expression in the optic nerve axons, and 52.3% in the retinal ganglion cells. 20 out of 42<br />(47.6%) cases were HIF-1 positive both in the optic nerve axons and in the retinal ganglion cells, and the staining<br />was evident mostly in the nuclear and perinuclear area. Our present results indicate that HIF-1 expression in<br />hypoxic conditions in glaucoma might be a very crucial stage in damage to retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve<br />axons, and might be a successful target for the implementation of neuroprotective drugs.