Background/aim: The effects of systemic magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) on retina in preterm hypoxic-ischemic (HI) rat model are not known. Our aim was to investigate the effects of MgSO 4 on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) count, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptotic index, retinal vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expressions in preterm HI rat model.
Materials and methods:Fifteen, postnatal day (PND) 7 rat pups were divided into 3 groups: 1. Sham-operated group, 2. HI group, and 3. MgSO 4 -treated HI group. The second and third groups underwent ischemia followed by exposure to hypoxia for 2 h (Vannucci model). The first and second groups received intraperitoneal saline and the third group received intraperitoneal MgSO 4 . On PND 10, eyes of the pups were evaluated for RGC count, apoptotic index, VEGFR-2, and GFAP expressions.
Results:In both HI and MgSO 4 -treated HI group, the mean total RGC counts were found to be significantly decreased. However, the mean total RGC count in the MgSO 4 -treated HI group was significantly higher than that of the HI group. The mean apoptotic index was found to be significantly increased in the HI group. Retinal VEGFR-2 and GFAP expressions were found to be significantly higher in the HI group.Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate preconditioning and treatment in preterm HI rat model might diminish apoptosis, relatively preserve RGCs, and reduce retinal VEGFR-2 and GFAP expressions.