Objective: To observe and explore the protective effects of breviscapine (BVP) on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced primary retinal ganglion cell (PRGC) apoptosis. Methods: In this experimental study,PRGCs were isolated by immunopanning from retinas of 1-day-old mice and maintained in culture for 3 days. To induce apoptosis, the PRGCs were then exposed to 0, 50, 100, or 200 μmol/L tBHP (100 μmol/L was chosen to establish models) in the absence or presence of 0, 10, 20, or 50 μmol/L BVP (20 μmol/L was chosen for follow experiments). The PRGCs were identified by immunofluorescence. Expression of Bcl-2, caspase 3,
and synaptophysin were assessed by western blotting. Cell apoptosis was detected by the terminal uridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Data analysis was performed by t-tests. Results: Compared with the blank control group, the proliferation of PRGCs was significantly inhibited by tBHP (P<0.05).Cell apoptosis increased (P<0.01), and the expressions of Bcl-2 and synaptophysin proteins were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively). Compared with the tBHP alone, the survival of PRGCs was increased by co-incubation of tBHP with BVP (P<0.01). Cell apoptosis was reduced, along with expressions of Bax (P>0.05) and cleaved-caspase-3 (P<0.001). The protein expressions of Bcl-2 and synaptophysin increased (P<0.05). The protective effects of BVP on tBHP-induced PRGC apoptosis were achieved in a concentration dependent manner. Conclusions: BVP can inhibit tBHP-induced PRGC apoptosis.