Erythropoietin protects from axotomy‐induced degeneration of retinal ganglion cells by activating ERK‐1/‐2

Apart from its hematopoietic function, erythropoietin (Epo) exerts neuroprotective activity upon reduced oxygenation or ischemia of brain, retina, and spinal cord. To examine whether Epo has an impact on the retrograde degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following optic nerve transectio…