J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2002 Mar;43(3):599-607.

The Neuroprotective Effect of alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN) in the Argon Laser Induced Retinal Ischemia

• Park HK
• Son WS
• Kwak HW

Abstract

PURPOSE: We examined the ability of alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN), an electron spin trapper, to determine the neuroprotective effect in the argon laser induced ischemic rat retina model.
METHODS
After ischemic condition of rat retina was induced by argon green laser, PBN was given intraperitoneally at 50 or 100 mg/kg and normal saline was injected to control group. After 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days, the neuroprotective effect of PBN was examined by electroretinogram (ERG) and after 7 days, the enucleation of eyes was performed and histologic findings were compared by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS
We found relatively reduced amplitude of ERG wave in the PBN injected group but not so greatly reduced as in normal saline control group. The retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and the number of RGCs were affected by acute ischemic changes but in the group of PBN treatment, the cell membrane was well preserved and vecuoles formation, cytoplasmic destructions, nuclear chromatin condensation were reduced.
CONCLUSIONS
Systemic administration of PBN can ameliorate an argon laser induced retinal ischemia. Further investigations are necessary to decide effective dose without toxicity and to find more convenient methods of administrations.

Keyword

Neuroprotection; PBN; Retinal ischemia; Spin trapper

MeSH Terms

Animals
Argon*
Cell Membrane
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Ischemia*
Microscopy
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Neuroprotective Agents*
Rats
Retina
Retinal Ganglion Cells
Retinaldehyde*
Argon
Chromatin
Neuroprotective Agents
Retinaldehyde