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We examined possible involvement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on ganglion cell death in explant cultures of neonatal rat retina. Survival of retinal ganglion cells was significantly prolonged by a broad-spectrum NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methylester. NADPH diaphorase staining revealed a diffused distribution of NOS activity in neuropils of the inner plexiform layer as well as several neurons in the inner nuclear layer. Moreover, 7-nitroindazole but not aminoguanidine promoted the survival of retinal ganglion cells. These results suggest a crucial role of neuronal NOS-derived nitric oxide in retinal ganglion cell death. Keywords:: nitric oxide, organotypic culture, retina