Enhancement of axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells in adult rats by etomidate: involvement of protein kinase C.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of etomidate (ET) on axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in adult rats.

Methods: The optic nerve was transected intraorbitally at 1 mm from the optic disc, and an autologous peripheral nerve was transplanted onto the ocular ON stump in adult rats. Then the animals were treated with ET, Gö6976, ET combined with Gö6976, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), or ET combined with PMA.

[The influence of seed maturity and seed coat on the germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum].

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the seed germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum.

Method: The seeds of different maturity, and the seeds whose coat were removed or nicked before dipping in water, were germinated in a light growth chamber.