HIF-1 expression in retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve axons in glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is a result of increased intraocular pressure leading to damage to retinal ganglion cells and
optic nerve axons. The aim of this study was to evaluate HIF-1 expression in optic nerve axons and retinal
ganglion cells in 42 eyes enucleated because of complete glaucoma compared to eyes removed because of injury.
The immunohistochemical reaction was done and specimens were examined under a light microscope. 57% of
cases presented HIF-1 expression in the optic nerve axons, and 52.3% in the retinal ganglion cells. 20 out of 42
(47.6%) cases were HIF-1 positive both in the optic nerve axons and in the retinal ganglion cells, and the staining
was evident mostly in the nuclear and perinuclear area. Our present results indicate that HIF-1 expression in
hypoxic conditions in glaucoma might be a very crucial stage in damage to retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve
axons, and might be a successful target for the implementation of neuroprotective drugs.