Objective: To explore the influence of Qiju Dihuang decoction on Caspase-3 expression in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced retinal degeneration rats. Method: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: the control group

the model group and the Qiju Dihuang decoction group. MNU at dose 40 mg·kg-1 was ip injected at 50 d after birth to induce retinal degeneration model. All rats were sacrificed at scheduled time points.The expression of Caspase-3 on the retina was detected by immuohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR. Result: The results were demonstrated by immuohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR. Positive Caspase-3 expression in the model group was detected at 12 h after ip MNU

reached to the peak at 2 d and gradually reduced

whereas Caspase-3 expression in the Qiju Dihuang decoction group reached to the peak at 3 d and the peak value was lower than the former. Conclusion: The positive expression of Caspase-3 was raised after MNU injection. Qiju Dihuang decoction can restrain the apoptosis of photoreceptor cells by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3.