AIM: To investigate the expressions and significance of apoptosis relevant factor caspase-3 in visual cortex area 17 of form deprivation amblyopia rats.

METHODS: Form deprivation amblyopia rats models were established, the morphological changes of visual cortex area 17 in 10 normal rats and 10 form deprivation amblyopia rats were stained with HE and observed HE staining, processed by immunohistochemical staining and image analysis system to demonstrate and analyze the localization of caspase-3 in area 17.

RESULTS: At various levels of the form deprivation amblyopia rats and normal rats, there were lots of caspase-3 immunoreactive neurons in visual cortex area 17, especially Ⅱ-Ⅳlayer. The number and grey level of caspase-3 immunopositivity increased greatly than normal rats(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Caspase-3 in visual cortex area 17 of form deprivation amblyopia rats has increased expression, which may be involved in the development of amblyopia.