AIM: To investigate the role of NgR-Rock signaling pathway in the retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)which are damaged by high concentration of glucose.

METHODS: Studies were performed with control group, high glucose concentration(HGC)group, SiNgR group(HGC medium including AAV2-SiNgR virus)and SiRNA control group(HGC medium including the negative sequence of nucleotides). Three days after culture, RGCs was observed by microscope, expressions of NgR, Rock and F-actin were detected by Western blot, cell vitality was determined by MTT, and cell morphology was also detected by F-actin immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS: Compared with control group, in HGC and control SiRNA groups, cell volume decreased with less processes, light refraction was strengthened, and the expressions of Rock and NgR were significantly increased(P<0.05, respectively), while the expression of F-actin was reduced(P<0.05); Compared with control group, there was no obvious difference in the expression of NgR, Rock and F-actin, and cell vitality between SiNgR group and control group(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The activation of NgR-Rock signaling pathway may plays an important role in HGC impairing RGCs.