Adenovirus-mediated expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) rescues axotomized rat retinal ganglion cells but does not support axonal regeneration in vivo

Rat optic nerve (ON) transection leads to mainly apoptotic cell death of ab out 85% of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) population within 14 days after lesion. in the present study, we tested the effect of adenovirally delivere d CNTF (Ad-CNTF) on survival and regeneration of axotomized adult RGCs in v ivo. Single intravitreal Ad-CNTF injection led to stable CNTF mRNA and prot ein expression for at least 18 days and significantly enhanced RGC survival by 155% when compared to control animals 14 days after ON transection. ON stump application of Ad-CNTF also resulted in an increased number of surviv ing RGCs. Ad-CNTF injection led to better preservation of intraretinal RGC axons but did not support regeneration of axotomized RGCs into a peripheral nerve graft. Thus, adenovirus-mediated neurotrophic factor supply is a sui table approach for reducing axotomy-induced RGC death in vivo and may const itute a relevant strategy for clinical treatment of traumatic brain injury. (C) 2000 Academic Press.