Objective To observe the effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) with different concentrations on the growth and survival of rats rsquo; retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in vitro. Methods The retinae of 15 Wistar rats which were 2 or 3 days after birth were dissociated into cell suspension with 0.05% trypsin digestion. After 3 days, cultured RGC were identified with immunohistochemistry method using anti-rat Thy-1.1 monoclonal antibody. Cultured RGC were divided into the 10, 20, 40 ng/ml CNTF group （Ⅰ,Ⅱ, and Ⅲgroup） and the control group respectively. The duration of living RGC was recorded. After 3, 5 and 7 days, the A value of living cells was tested by methylthio-tetrazole colorimetric microassay. Results The result of immunohistochemical examination showed that 90% of living cells cultured for 3 days were RGC. No protuberance or volume increase of RGC were observed in CNTF groups and the control group. The duration of the living RGC was prolonged 3 to 4 days in CNTF groups compared with the control group. The A values of living RGC at the 5th and 7th days in the CNTF groups and the control group were: 0.0758 plusmn;0.0139 and 0.0693 plusmn;0.0113 in I group, 0.0902 plusmn;0.0114 and 0.0825 plusmn;0.0125 in Ⅱ group, 0.0792 plusmn;0.0133 and 0.0653 plusmn;0.0086 in Ⅲ group, and 0.0620 plusmn;0.0071 and 0.0513 plusmn;0.0068 in the control group, respectively. The differences between the simultaneous CNTF and control group were significant (between Ⅱ group and the control group: P＜0.01; between Ⅰ and Ⅲ group, and the control group: P＜0.05). Conclusion CNTF with some certain concentrations could facilitate survival of RGC in vitro. CNTF has no effect on the conformation of RGC. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2002, 18: 283-285)
Citation： YUAN Rongdi,HE Xiangge,YE Jian,et al. 睫状神经营养因子对培养大鼠视网膜神经节细胞的影响. Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases, 2002, 18(4): 283-285. doi: Copy