ObjectiveTo observe the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bcl-2, Bax in the rat retina of ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS). Methods30 Brown Norway rats were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 15 rats in each group. The rats in experimental group were established a model through ligating the bilateral common carotid artery. At 3 months after modeling, the retinal thickness and ganglion cell (RGC) density were measured by hematoxylin eosin staining; the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 8, Bax and Bcl-2 in the retina was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe RGC density in control group and experimental group was 61.97±9.07 and 38.1±5.98, respectively. Compared to the control group, the RGC density was diminished in the experimental group (t=3.059, P < 0.01). A significant decrease was found in the total retina (t=3.036), inner plexiform (t=3.715), inner nuclear (t=3.339) and outer plexiform (t=3.341) thickness (P < 0.05). However, no change of the thickness was evident in the outer nuclear layers (t=2.000, P > 0.05). The levels of protein and RNA expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Bax in the retina were increased in experimental group (F=17.036, 7.787, 11.431, 11.162, 17.763, 12.183; P < 0.05), while the Bcl-2 expression were decreased (F=10.298, 12.047; P < 0.05). ConclusionsThere is obvious expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in the rat retina of OIS. Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Bax expression are increased, while Bcl-2 expression are decreased.