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Abstract #24859 Published in IGR 11-4
Study of the effects of ocular hypotensive drugs on number of neurons in the retinal ganglion layer in a rat experimental glaucoma
Villena A; Diaz F; Vidal L; Moreno M; Garcia-Campos J; Perez de Vargas IEuropean Journal of Ophthalmology 2009; 19: 963-970
PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of antiglaucomatous drugs on neurons in the retinal ganglion layer (RGL) in an experimental model of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: Three episcleral veins of rats with normal IOP were cauterized. Three months later, we examined the effects on the number of neurons in the RGL as well as in rats submitted to treatment with timolol, latanoprost, or brimonidine. The IOP was measured using a calibrated Tono-Pen XL tonometer before and immediately after cauterization and every 2 weeks for the following 3 months as well as immediately before perfusion. RESULTS: The IOP was 14.85+/-0.65 mmHg in the control group, whereas it was 1.25-fold higher (33.5+/-1.06 mmHg) in the experimental group. After treatment, the IOP returned to baseline levels. The mean number of neurons per mm2 in the RGL was 33% lower in the experimental group (283+/-10 cells/mm2) compared with the control group (423+/-11 cells/mm2). In the groups treated with timolol, latanoprost, or brimonidine, the neuronal loss was less (331+/-10, 360+/-15, and 333+/-3 cells/mm2, respectively), although values did not return to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental model provokes an immediate, constant, and prolonged increase in IOP and the application of hypotensive agents affords a certain degree of protection to neurons in the RGL.
Department of Histology and Histopathology, School of Medicine, University of Málaga - Spain.
Classification:
5.1 Rodent (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
11.1 General management, indication (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
