Apoptic Death of β Cells after Optic Nerve Transection in Adult Cats.

Examines the possibility that the rapid death of β cells is attributable to apoptosis for some axotomized retinal ganglion cells. Proportion of pyknotic cells in Nissl-stained cat retinas; Survival of axotomized β cells after the intravitreal injection of caspase 3 inhibitor; Discussion on whether the time course of the occurrence of pyknotic cells corresponds to the sharp death period of β cells.