Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPP) have been reported to inhibit apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).The present study investigated the protective effects of ABPP on RGCs in a rat model of optic nerve injury.With prolonged injury time,RGC densities were gradually decreased.ABPP (5 μg) significantly increased RGC densities and upregulated growth associated protein 43 expression in rats with optic nerve injury.Results demonstrate that ABPP can protect RGCs and promote axonal growth after optic nerve crush.