AIM: To investigate the combination therapeutic effect of Ginkgobalide B(GKB)and retinal stem cells(RSCs)transplantation on glaucoma in rats.

METHODS: Rats were divided randomly into five groups: control group, glaucoma group, RSCs group, GKB group and RSCs combination therapy group. A chronic glaucoma model was established in rats, accordingly. The morphological changes in ocular tissues were analyzed by HE staining. Retinal ganglion cells apoptosis were analyzed by TUNEL staining. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3 and Cleaved caspase-9 were determined by Western blot. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by qPCR.

RESULTS: HE staining revealed that RSCs transplantation or GKB treatment decreased fiber interstitial edema and vacuole, as compared to glaucoma group. Furthermore, this improvement was more pronounced in combination therapy group than in single treatment alone. Combination therapy significantly inhibited retinal ganglion cells apoptosis, increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression,but decreased Bax mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, the protein expression of Cleaved caspase-3 and Cleaved caspase-9 expression were decreased after combination therapy.

CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that combination of Ginkgobalide B and retinal stem cells transplantation can inhibit retinal ganglion cells apoptosis and protect against glaucoma. These effects may be associated with the regulation of Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3 and Cleaved caspase-9 expression.