[Changes of caspase-9 in rat retina caused by Nd:YAG laser injury].

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the changes of caspase-9 in the retina of Long Evans rats caused by Nd: YAG laser injury. METHODS:A model of retina injury in rats caused by Nd:YAG laser was established. The activity and the expression of mRNA and protein of caspase-9 were detected at Oh, 3h, 6h, 24h, 3d and 7d after laser irradiation. RESULTS; No conspicuous change of caspase-9 mRNA in retina was observed just after laser irradiation, but the activity of caspase-9 and the expression of caspase-9 mRNA and protein increased significantly at 6h and 12h after irradiation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Caspase-9 in the retina of LE rat was activated by Nd:YAG laser irradiation.