Table 1

α2-Agonists prevent ischemia-induced loss of RGC retrograde transport

TreatmentMean RGCs/Field±S.E.M.
Saline/ischemic135.2±8.4
0.1 mg/kg brimonidine129.0±10.2
0.5 mg/kg brimonidine197.31-160 ±11.0
1.0 mg/kg brimonidine200.01-160 ±6.3
0.5 mg/kg clonidine215.01-165 ±6.0
Nonischemic/saline252.31-165 ±6.8

Animals were injected i.p. 1 h prior to ischemia (dose as indicated). Animals recovered for 8 days following ischemia. Retinal ganglion cells were retrograde labeled and counted (n = 5). Values indicate the average number of ganglion cells per microscope field ± S.E.M. determined in eight fields from five animals.

  • Statistical significance, compared to saline:

  • 1-150  P < 0.05,

  • ↵1-160 P< 0.01,

  • ↵1-165 P < 0.001.