Growth hormone reduces retinal inflammation and preserves microglial morphology after optic nerve crush in male rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the neuroprotective role of growth hormone (GH) in modulating retinal inflammation and microglial responses following optic nerve crush (ONC) in male rats. METHODS: Retinal inflammation and microglial activation were assessed at 24 h and 14 days post-ONC, with or without GH treatment (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 12 h). Gene and protein expression of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, Iba1, CD86, CD206) were evaluated using qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. Microglial morphology was quantified using skeleton and fractal analysis of Iba1-stained retinal sections. Retinal structure and function were assessed via fundus imaging and optomotor reflex testing. RESULTS: ONC induced significant increases in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNFα, IL-18) and microglial activation, characterized by reduced branching complexity and increased cell density. GH treatment significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine levels, modulated microglial phenotype (CD86/CD206 expression), and preserved microglial morphology in the retina. Using the SIM-A9 microglial cell line, we further demonstrated that GH reduces NFκB pathway activation and suppresses LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. At 14 days post-injury, GH-treated retinas exhibited reduced optic nerve size and improved optomotor responses, indicating both structural neuroprotection and functional recovery. DISCUSSION: Overall, GH mitigates ONC-induced retinal inflammation by reducing proinflammatory signaling and preserving microglial architecture, thereby protecting retinal integrity and function. These findings highlight the potential of GH as a therapeutic agent for retinal neurodegenerative conditions.