SYSTEMIC ADMINISTRATION OF ACIDIC FIBROBLAST-GROWTH-FACTOR AMELIORATES THE ISCHEMIC-INJURY OF THE RETINA IN RATS

The central neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury of fibrobl ast growth factor (FGF), administered either directly into the central nervous system or systemically, is well documented. Here we show in a rat model of transient retinal ischemia that the neuroprotective effe ct of systemically administered acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF, FGF-1) extends to the retina. Histological findings show a lower decr ease of retinal ganglion cells and inner nuclear layer cells (P < 0.00 01) in animals receiving FGF-1, These results suggest that FGF may fun ction as a natural protection agent during transient retinal ischemia and further document that an efficient neuroprotection of central nerv ous tissues can be obtained by systemic administration of this protein . Our data may, thus, contribute to the development of novel and safe therapeutic approach for the treatment of the ischemic injury of the r etina. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.