Objective     To study the distribution and expression of RhoA in the rat retina after optic nerve crush.      Methods     Totally 36 adult Long Evans rats were equally divided into 4 groups

normal group

1

3 and 7 d after optic nerve crushing groups. The expression of RhoA was analyzed by Western blotting analysis

and the distribution was assayed by immunohistochemistry.      Results     In normal retina and the retina 1 d after optic nerve crush

RhoA was mainly distributed in the layer of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In the group of 3 d after optic nerve crush

it existed in the RGCs and inner plexiform layer. However

its immunoreactivity was abundant not only in the RGCs and inner plexiform layers but also in the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers 7 d after optic nerve crush. Western blot analysis showed the expression of RhoA in 3 optic nerve crushing groups was increased significantly than normal group(P0.01

P0.05).      Conclusion     The distribution and expression of RhoA are extended and enhanced after optic nerve crush.