Abstract: Objective To observe Müller cell-specific reactive gliosis in rat retina following acute ocular hypertension (AOH) and its effect on AOH-induced retinal damage. Methods The AOH rat model was established, and animals were divided into control (Ctrl), AOH and AOH+α-aminoadipic acid (AAA, intravitreal injection) treated groups (1, 3 and 5d subgroups according the reperfusion time), and AAA treatment or AOH+PBS control group. TUNEL assay was used to detect cell apoptosis, GFAP immunofluorescent staining was performed to respond Müller cell-specific reactive gliosis, and Thy-1 staining was applied to mark retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Results AOH could attenuate the thicknesses of inner plexiform layer (IPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL), and cause cell disorganization and cell loss in ganglion cell layer (GCL) as well as the Müller cell-specific reactive gliosis (enhanced GFAP-immunoreactivity) in rat retina. In addition, we found that the inhibition of Müller cell-specific reactive gliosis by AAA intravitreal injection could significantly relief RGCs loss and cell apoptosis in GCL layer of AOH rat retina. Conclusion Müller cell-specific reactive gliosis was involved in AOH-induced retinal damage and its inhibition may be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving glaucomatous retinopathy.

Key words: acute ocular hypertension, retina, Müller cells, retinal ganglion cells