Effects of erythropoetin on neuroprotection in experimental glocomal model

Objective: Glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide and is progressive, irreversible optic neuropathy. Our study was conducted to show the neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin on glaucoma. Method: Twelve male and female Albino Wistar rats (6 weeks old; 220 ± 40 grams) from Adnan Menderes University Experimental Animal Center were used in this study. Rats were divided into 4 groups as control, glaucoma, subconjunctival erythropoietin treatment, topical erythropoietin group, and each group has 6 rats. Intramuscular 50 mg / kg ketamine hydrochloride and 5 mg / kg xylazine hydrochloride combination was used for anesthesia and analgesia. Results: In our study, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, retinal thickness, and ganglion cell complex thickness were observed at least in the glaucoma group and mostly in the control group. No difference was observed between the routes of administration of erythropoietin. Conclusion: The neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin has been demonstrated, and there is a need to repeat the study with larger study groups. Key Words: Erythropoietin, Glaucoma, Neuroprotection