[Single and temporally displaced second nerve lesions in an animal model and their clinical significance]

Abstract

Background: Surgical optic decompression after trauma has been discussed controversially. The surgical trauma is supposed to produce an additional nerve lesion with the danger of complete loss of vision. Alternatively, conservative high dose cortisone therapy has been recommended.

Methods: The functional and morphological consequences of a lesion after calibrated optic compression in one or two sessions were examined in an animal model using 29 Wistar rats.

Results: Depending on the duration and intensity of the lesion, we observed a linear decline in the number of neurons in the RGC (retinal ganglion cell) layer as well as an increasing reactivity to GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) as an indication of central gliosis of astrocytes; however, this was independent on whether optic compression was performed in one or two sessions.

Conclusions: To reduce secondary damage to the visual nerve and the central visual system that might increase with a persisting lesion, the indication for surgical relief of an eye affected by afference should be considered liberally, especially in view of the low morbidity of rhinosurgical intervention.