Objective:To observe the effects of triptolide(TP) on retinal gonlion cells of SD rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)

and to analyze its possible mechanism.Methods:EAE models were induced in SD rats

the TP group received triptolidedayly intraperitoneal injection from immunization day to 14 days.The pathological changes in optic nerve were observed

the expression of MCP-1

GFAP and the apoptosis of RGCs in retina were detected.Results:Demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration showed in optic nerve

MCP-1 appearred in the retina at the initial stage

and begine to decline after onset 7 days.The expression of MCP-1 and GFAP were lower in TP group

compared with the EAE group with statistically significant difference(P<0.01)

while with no significant difference on the apoptosis of RGCs(P>0.05).Conclusion:Triptolide inhibit the expression of MCP-1 and GFAP

have no significant effects on the apoptosis of RGCs.