Effect of Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) on Alleviating Axonal Degeneration After Partial Optic Nerve Transection

Abstract

Our previous results showed that the polysaccharides extracted from Lycium barbarum (LBP) could delay secondary degeration of retinal ganglion cell bodies and improve the function of the retinas after partial opticnerve transection (PONT). Although the common degeneration mechanisms were believed to be shared by both neuronal bodies and axons, recently published data from slow Wallerian degeneration mutant (Wld)mice supported the divergence in the mechanisms of them. Therefore, we want to determine if LBP could also delay the degeneration of axons after PONT. Microglia/macrophages were thought to be a source of reactive oxygen species after central nervous system (CNS) injury.