Activation of the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in a Rat Model of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract
Purpose. Apoptosis is known to play a role in cell death in transient retinal ischemia. Little is known about the specific molecular pathways involved. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a rat model of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) that simulates the clinical features of CRAO in humans and to elucidate whether the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway is involved.