Abstract:To investigate the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in pigmented rabbits retinal laser scar after photocoagulation. METHODS: The model of retinal photocoagulation in pigmented rabbit was established in right eyes by frequency doubled 532nm laser with laser lesion effect of Tso grade Ⅲ photocoagulated spots at a wavelength of 532nm,for a duration of 0.05 seconds, at a power of 450mw,making a 75μm diameter spot. The left eyes were control group eyes. Twenty-four pigmented rabbits were randomly divided into six groups at the postoperative days 1,3,7,14,21,28 after photocoagulation. The eyes were enucleated at the schedule time,fixed and cut into sections.Immunohistochemical examination was used to detect the expression of CTGF and GFAP. Pearson linear regression analysis was performed to determine possible relationship between GFAP and CTGF. RESULTS:The Müller cells expressed GFAP at 3 days after photocoagulation and lasted for at least 28 days. There was weak expression in end feet of Müller cells in retina of normal control group. The expression of CTGF was detected in retinal lesion at 3 days after photocoagulation and increased with time. But the expression of CTGF in normal control group was not detected. The expression of GFAP protein had markedly positive relationship with CTGF (r=0.786,P<0.01). CONCLUSION:GFAP and CTGF may take part in regulating recovery of-retinal laser scar after photocoagulation in pigmented rabbits.