AIM:To observe influence of gross saponins from tribulus terrestris L(GSTT)on SOD activity and MDA content for chronic high intraocular pressure in rabbit, and discusses the retina oxidative damage inhibition on chronic high intraocular pressure model of rabbit.

METHODS:Totally 24 healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group(A group); high intraocular pressure model blank group(B group); high intraocular pressure model with GSTT treated group(C group); high intraocular pressure model with Erigeron brevicapas hand mass(EBHM)treated group(D group). High intraocular pressure model was induced by 20g/L methylcellulose injection into the anterior chamber in B group, C group and D group. D group was injected 5 mg/kg GSTT and C group was injected 4.5mg/kg EBHM and measured intraocular pressure with Schiotz tonometer every day for 4 weeks. The retina tissue superoxide dismutase(SOD)and maleic dialdehyde(MDA)content were detected 28 days later.

RESULTS: After glaucoma model of rabbit eyes were established, the intraocular pressure during observation period was maintained in 32-39mmHg; High intraocular pressure model blank group and normal control group, EBHM treatment group, GSTT treatment group were compared, the differences of retina MDA, SOD content had statistical significance(P<0.05); numerical difference between EBHM treatment group and GSTT group was not statistically significant(P>0.05); EBHM treatment group, GSTT treatment group and normal control group were compared, the content of MDA in the retina was still slightly higher(P<0.05), the content of SOD slightly lower(P<0.05)

CONCLUSION: GSTT can effectively improve the retina SOD activity of chronic high intraocular pressure in rabbit and reduce the content of MDA, which has a protective effect of persistent high intraocular retinal oxidative stress.