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Relationship between retinal capillary vessel density of OCT angiography and intraocular pressure in pig. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8555. [PMID: 33879834 PMCID: PMC8058045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87689-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate density change in the retinal capillary plexus during intra ocular pressure (IOP) elevation in vitrectomized pigs’ eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Eight eyes of eight micro pigs received vitrectomy and the IOP was controlled from 15 mmHg (baseline) to 105 mmHg in 15 mmHg increments using a vented-gas forced-infusion system, and then decreased back to normal IOP (recovery state). The spectral-domain OCTA device was set to scan an area of 8.8 × 4.4 mm (30° × 15°) above the optic nerve head for each IOP. The relative vessel density (rVAD) compared to baseline was determined for the total retinal blood flow (RBF) which included major retinal artery and venous vessels, radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs), superficial (SVP), intermediate (IVP), and deep vascular plexus (DVP). The mean rVAD was 0.890 in RBF, 0.826 in RPCs, 0.817 in SVP, 0.819 in IVP, and 0.794 in DVP at 30 mmHg. While the rVAD of RBF and RPCs decreased to 0.504 and 0.541 at 45 mmHg, the SVP, IVP, and DVP decreased to 0.433, 0.359, and 0.345, respectively. When IOP was normalized, the rVAD was recovered in all layers and the VAD of RBF, IVP, and DVP were higher than baseline (P = 0.040, 0.019, and 0.019, respectively). Retinal capillary density deterioration in each layer was found from 30 mmHg using an OCTA system which showed excellent depth-resolved segmentation of retinal capillary layers even at higher IOPs. Reduction in VAD showed full recovery after IOP normalization.
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2
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Bek T. Translational research in retinal vascular disease. An approach. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:441-450. [PMID: 30801973 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The clinical presentation of the most frequent vision threatening retinal diseases is dominated by lesions indicating that disturbances in retinal blood flow are involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The present review describes the experience from a translational strategy pursued to investigate retinal vascular diseases with diabetic retinopathy as the main object. The normal regulation of retinal blood flow is investigated in porcine retinal vessels in vitro and ex vivo. Subsequently, the in vitro findings are translated to clinical studies in normal persons in vivo, and it is investigated whether the mechanisms are disturbed in retinal vascular disease. This is followed by clinical intervention studies on these diseases. The approach has been used to investigate pressure autoregulation, metabolic autoregulation and vasomotion in retinal vessels. The investigations have shown that retinal vascular tone can be regulated by receptor-specific agonists and antagonists to vasoactive compounds such as purines, prostaglandins and nitric oxide synthesis and that the vasoactive effects can be modulated by the concentration and the mode of administration of these compounds. Additionally, it has been shown that retinal precapillary arterioles and capillaries not visible by ophthalmoscopy may play an important role for the pathophysiology of retinal vascular disease and its treatment. Future studies should focus on investigating normal and pathological regulation of retinal blood flow in these smaller vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology Aarhus University Hospital Aarhus C DK‐8000 Denmark
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Petersen L, Bek T. The diameter response of retinal arterioles in diabetic maculopathy is reduced during hypoxia and is unaffected by the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase and nitric oxide synthesis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 254:2339-2346. [PMID: 27270566 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy is accompanied with changes in the diameter regulation and oxygenation of retinal vessels. Previous studies have shown that in normal persons and in diabetic patients without retinopathy hypoxia-induced vasodilatation is mediated by cyclo-oxygenase (COX) products and nitric oxide (NO). The purpose of the present study was to study whether these effects can be reproduced in patients with diabetic maculopathy. METHODS Eighteen patients with diabetic maculopathy aged 29-57 years were examined using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer. The resting diameter and the diameter changes of retinal arterioles during isometric exercise and flicker stimulation were studied before and during breathing a hypoxic gas mixture. The examinations were also performed before and during intravenous infusion of the NOS inhibitor L-NMMA, and were repeated on a second day after topical administration of the COX-inhibitor diclofenac. RESULTS The diameter of retinal arterioles showed no significant change during hypoxia or L-NMMA infusion, or after topical application of diclofenac (p > 0.25 for all comparisons). The resting diameter of the venules was significantly increased during hypoxia (p = 0.003) and decreased during L-NMMA infusion (p < 0.0001). The diameter of retinal venules during isometric exercise increased significantly during hypoxia (p = 0.01). Flicker stimulation induced significant dilatation of the venules, which was significantly reduced during hypoxia and increased during L-NMMA infusion (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION Hypoxia-induced dilatation of retinal arterioles is severely reduced in patients with diabetic maculopathy. Future intervention studies aimed at normalizing the diameter regulation of retinal arterioles in diabetic patients should preferentially be conducted in the early stages of the disease where the potential for changing the vessel diameter is preserved. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01689090.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Petersen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Klefter ON, Vilsbøll T, Knop FK, Larsen M. Retinal vascular and structural dynamics during acute hyperglycaemia. Acta Ophthalmol 2015; 93:697-705. [PMID: 26146858 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare retinal vascular dynamics during acute hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers. METHODS Twenty-one patients with type 2 diabetes and 27 healthy controls were examined with fundus photographic measurement of retinal vessel diameters, retinal oximetry, macular perfusion velocities and optical coherence tomographic measurement of subfoveal choroidal thickness every 30 min during a 3-hr 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Patients paused antidiabetic therapy for 1 week prior to the OGTT. RESULTS Plasma glucose (PG) and fluctuations in PG were larger in patients with diabetes (p < 0.0001). PG increased significantly 30 min after ingestion of glucose (p < 0.0001 in both groups). With a delay of 0-120 min, the PG increase was followed by increased retinal arterial oxygen saturations and arteriovenous oxygen saturation differences, narrowed retinal veins and increased arteriovenous diameter ratios. No effect of age, gender or diabetes status was observed. Choroidal thickness was transiently reduced in controls and unchanged in patients with diabetes (p = 0.021). Macular perfusion velocities increased after 150 min in patients with diabetes but not in controls (arterial p = 0.059; venous p = 0.16). Higher age and diabetes tended to be associated with higher retinal arterial oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION The transition from fasting to acute hyperglycaemia is followed, with a delay of up to 2 hr, by retinal vascular changes, notably increased oxygen extraction, suggesting an effect of secondary metabolic changes. Retinal responses were similar in patients with type 2 diabetes and controls despite differences in glucose levels. It is necessary to standardize measurement conditions in studies of retinal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver N. Klefter
- Department of Ophthalmology; Glostrup Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Glostrup Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Center for Diabetes Research; Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Hellerup Denmark
| | - Filip K. Knop
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Center for Diabetes Research; Gentofte Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Hellerup Denmark
| | - Michael Larsen
- Department of Ophthalmology; Glostrup Hospital; University of Copenhagen; Glostrup Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
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Li LJ, Ikram MK, Wong TY. Retinal vascular imaging in early life: insights into processes and risk of cardiovascular disease. J Physiol 2015; 594:2175-203. [PMID: 26435039 DOI: 10.1113/jp270947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In recent years, studies have shown that the origins of CVD may be traced to vascular and metabolic processes in early life. Retinal vascular imaging is a new technology that allows detailed non-invasive in vivo assessment and monitoring of the microvasculature. In this systematic review, we described the application of retinal vascular imaging in children and adolescents, and we examined the use of retinal vascular imaging in understanding CVD risk in early life. We reviewed all publications with quantitative retinal vascular assessment in two databases: PubMed and Scopus. Early life CVD risk factors were classified into four groups: birth risk factors, environmental risk factors, systemic risk factors and conditions linked to future CVD development. Retinal vascular changes were associated with lower birth weight, shorter gestational age, low-fibre and high-sugar diet, lesser physical activity, parental hypertension history, childhood hypertension, childhood overweight/obesity, childhood depression/anxiety and childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus. In summary, there is increasing evidence supporting the view that structural changes in the retinal microvasculature are associated with CVD risk factors in early life. Thus, the retina is a useful site for pre-clinical assessment of microvascular processes that may underlie the future development of CVD in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Jun Li
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohammad Kamran Ikram
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Zhi Z, Cepurna W, Johnson E, Jayaram H, Morrison J, Wang RK. Evaluation of the effect of elevated intraocular pressure and reduced ocular perfusion pressure on retinal capillary bed filling and total retinal blood flow in rats by OMAG/OCT. Microvasc Res 2015; 101:86-95. [PMID: 26186381 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if retinal capillary filling is preserved in the face of acutely elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in anesthetized rats, despite a reduction in total retinal blood flow (RBF), using optical microangiography/optical coherence tomography (OMAG/OCT). METHODS OMAG provided the capability of depth-resolved imaging of the retinal microvasculature down to the capillary level. Doppler OCT was applied to measure the total RBF using an enface integration approach. The microvascular pattern, capillary density, and total RBF were monitored in vivo as the IOP was increased from 10 to 100mmHg in 10mmHg intervals and returned back to 10mmHg. RESULTS In animals with mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 102±4mmHg (n=10), when IOP was increased from 0 to 100mmHg, the capillary density remained at or above 80% of baseline for the IOP up to 60mmHg [or ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) at 40mmHg]. This was then decreased, achieving 60% of baseline at IOP 70mmHg and OPP of 30mmHg. Total RBF was unaffected by moderate increases in IOP up to 30mmHg, beyond which total RBF decreased linearly, reaching 50% of baseline at IOP 60mmHg and OPP 40mmHg. Both capillary density and total RBF were totally extinguished at 100mmHg, but fully recovered when IOP returned to baseline. By comparison, a separate group of animals with lower MAP (mean=75±6mmHg, n=7) demonstrated comparable decreases in both capillary filling and total RBF at IOPs that were 20mmHg lower than in the initial group. Both were totally extinguished at 80mmHg, but fully recovered when IOP returned to baseline. Relationships of both parameters to OPP were unchanged. CONCLUSION Retinal capillary filling and total RBF responses to IOP elevation can be monitored non-invasively by OMAG/OCT and both are influenced by OPP. Retinal capillary filling was relatively preserved down to a perfusion pressure of 40mmHg, despite a linear reduction in total RBF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Zhi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William Cepurna
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Elaine Johnson
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Hari Jayaram
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - John Morrison
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Jeppesen P, Knudsen ST, Poulsen PL, Hessellund A, Schmitz O, Bek T. Acute hyperinsulinemia increases the contraction of retinal arterioles induced by elevated blood pressure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 305:H1600-4. [PMID: 24056905 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00560.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is accompanied by disturbances in retinal blood flow, which is assumed to be related to the diabetic metabolic dysregulation. It has previously been shown that normoinsulinemic hyperglycemia has no effect on the diameter of retinal arterioles at rest and during an increase in the arterial blood pressure induced by isometric exercise. However, the influence of hyperinsulinemia on this response has not been studied in detail. In seven normal persons, the diameter response of retinal arterioles to an increased blood pressure induced by isometric exercise, to stimulation with flickering light, and to the combination of these stimuli was studied during euglycemic normoinsulinemia (protocol N) on one examination day, and euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (protocol H) on another examination day. Isometric exercise induced significant contraction of retinal arterioles at all examinations, but during a repeated examination the diameter response was significantly reduced in the test persons following the N protocol and increased in the persons following the H protocol. Flicker stimulation induced a significant dilatation of retinal arterioles at all examinations, and the response was significantly higher during a repeated examination, irrespective of the insulin level. Repeated exposure to isometric exercise reduces contraction, whereas repeated exposure to flickering light increases dilatation of retinal arterioles in vivo. Hyperinsulinemia increases contraction of retinal arterioles induced by isometric exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jeppesen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
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Lung JCY, Swann PG, Wong DSH, Chan HHL. Global flash multifocal electroretinogram: early detection of local functional changes and its correlations with optical coherence tomography and visual field tests in diabetic eyes. Doc Ophthalmol 2012; 125:123-35. [PMID: 22828871 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-012-9343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlations of the global flash multifocal electroretinogram (MOFO mfERG) with common clinical visual assessments--Humphrey perimetry and Stratus circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurement in type II diabetic patients. METHODS Forty-two diabetic patients participated in the study: Ten were free from diabetic retinopathy (DR), while the remainder suffered from mild to moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Fourteen age-matched controls were recruited for comparison. MOFO mfERG measurements were made under high- and low-contrast conditions. Humphrey central 30-2 perimetry and Stratus OCT circumpapillary RNFL thickness measurements were also performed. Correlations between local values of implicit time and amplitude of the mfERG components [direct component (DC) and induced component (IC)], and perimetric sensitivity and RNFL thickness were evaluated by mapping the localized responses for the three subject groups. RESULTS MOFO mfERG was superior to perimetry and RNFL assessments in showing differences between the diabetic groups (with and without DR) and the controls. All the MOFO mfERG amplitudes (except IC amplitude at high contrast) correlated better with perimetry findings (Pearson's r ranged from 0.23 to 0.36, p < 0.01) than did the mfERG implicit time at both high and low contrasts across all subject groups. No consistent correlation was found between the mfERG and RNFL assessments for any group or contrast conditions. The responses of the local MOFO mfERG correlated with local perimetric sensitivity but not with RNFL thickness. CONCLUSION Early functional changes in the diabetic retina seem to occur before morphological changes in the RNFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Y Lung
- Laboratory of Experimental Optometry Neuroscience, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Nenekidis I, Pournaras CJ, Tsironi E, Tsilimingas N. Vision impairment during cardiac surgery and extracorporeal circulation: current understanding and the need for further investigation. Acta Ophthalmol 2012; 90:e168-72. [PMID: 22151627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding ocular hemodynamic alterations affecting the retinal neuroglial cells and optic nerve head (ONH) function during cardiac surgery. Literature indicates that visual loss after heart surgery is a rare but devastating complication provoked by two main causes of optic ischaemia and infarction during on-pump cardiac procedures: microembolism and/or hypoperfusion. Retinal ischaemia and ischaemic optic neuropathy are two possible major consequences of extracorporeal circulation in cardiac surgery. The hemodynamic modifications within the vascular beds of retina and ONH during cardiovascular operations have been incompletely studied. Consequently, it is of great interest to investigate the hemodynamic changes during cardiopulmonary bypass within the choroidal, retinal and optic nerve microcirculations as well as other potential causes of vaso-occlusion. Maintaining stable hemodynamic parameters during cardiovascular surgery seems to be the key to prevent visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Nenekidis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Evaggelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Marschall S, Sander B, Mogensen M, Jørgensen TM, Andersen PE. Optical coherence tomography-current technology and applications in clinical and biomedical research. Anal Bioanal Chem 2011; 400:2699-720. [PMID: 21547430 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-5008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that provides real-time two- and three-dimensional images of scattering samples with micrometer resolution. By mapping the local reflectivity, OCT visualizes the morphology of the sample. In addition, functional properties such as birefringence, motion, or the distributions of certain substances can be detected with high spatial resolution. Its main field of application is biomedical imaging and diagnostics. In ophthalmology, OCT is accepted as a clinical standard for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of a number of retinal diseases, and OCT is becoming an important instrument for clinical cardiology. New applications are emerging in various medical fields, such as early-stage cancer detection, surgical guidance, and the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. OCT has also proven its value as a tool for developmental biology. The number of companies involved in manufacturing OCT systems has increased substantially during the last few years (especially due to its success in opthalmology), and this technology can be expected to continue to spread into various fields of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Marschall
- DTU Fotonik, Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark
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Delgado E, Marques-Neves C, Rocha I, Sales-Luís J, Silva-Carvalho L. Amlodipine effects on vasomotion in rabbit external ophthalmic artery. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2009; 248:213-21. [PMID: 19921236 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-009-1235-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to understand the role of ocular blood flow in normal and pathological conditions, knowledge of the pharmacological control mechanisms involved in the ocular vascular bed is essential. The present study was designed to investigate the reactivity of the rabbit external ophthalmic artery and its collaterals to amlodipine, in order to answer two questions: (1) What are amlodipine effects upon perfusion pressure and spontaneous oscillations in the in situ perfused rabbit eyes? (2) Can intraarterial amlodipine counteract ET-1 induced vasoconstriction? METHODS Rabbit external ophthalmic arteries (n = 12) in a head-mounted preparation were cannulated and perfused with warmed tyrode. Vasomotor response curves to intraarterial injections of amlodipine 3 mg/ml followed by phenylephrine 250 microg (group A, n = 6) and to amlodipine 3 mg/ml after an intraarterial injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1) 27 microg/ml (group B, n = 6) were obtained. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test and Fourier analysis of frequency spectrums of spontaneous oscillations were used. RESULTS Before any drug administration, spontaneous oscillations were observed in the 12 rabbit models. In group A, amlodipine elicited vasodilation and a decrease in frequency and amplitude of the oscillations. In group B, ET-1 induced an increase in vasoconstrictor tone and vasomotion became more evident. With amlodipine after ET-1, we obtained vasodilation and abolition of the vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS Our study has two main conclusions: (1) amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, caused intense vasodilation and decreased both frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous oscillations observed in the rabbit external ophthalmic artery and its collaterals, and (2) when we applied amlodipine in arteries previously contracted by the administration of ET-1, vascular resistance greatly decreased and spontaneous oscillations were abolished. Since ET-1 levels are increased in several ischemic ocular diseases, amlodipine might be beneficial in these patients, allowing a protective action against vasospasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Delgado
- Departamento de Clínica, CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
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12
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Delgado E, Marques-Neves C, Rocha I, Sales-Luís J, Silva-Carvalho L. Intrinsic vasomotricity and adrenergic effects in a model of isolated rabbit eye. Acta Ophthalmol 2009; 87:443-9. [PMID: 18705679 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.01285.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the responsiveness of the ocular arteries to adrenergic drugs in a model of perfused isolated rabbit eye. METHODS Rabbit external ophthalmic arteries (n = 15) in a head-mounted preparation were cannulated and the retinal and uveal vasculature perfused at a constant flow with warmed tyrode. The three-way polypropylene catheter was further connected to a pressure transducer and intraluminal pressure was taken as a measure of vascular resistance. Effects of intra-arterial injections of phenylephrine (group A, n = 5), prazosin (group B, n = 5) and phentolamine (group C, n = 5) on the recorded pressure were obtained. Student's paired-t test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS Intrinsic vasomotricity was observed in all preparations prior to any drug administration. Phenylephrine produced an increase in total vascular resistance. Intrinsic vasomotricity became more evident, showing a lower frequency but higher amplitude of oscillations. Evoked vasomotor responses with phenylephrine (250 microg/ml) were inhibited by intra-arterial administration of the selective alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin (0.5 mg/ml), as well as the non-selective alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (6 mg/ml). CONCLUSIONS Rabbit external ophthalmic arteries showed spontaneous contractions under constant perfusion. Phenylephrine elicited a vasoconstrictor response that was inhibited by adrenergic antagonists. In addition, the intrinsic vasomotricity was enhanced by phenylephrine and blocked by adrenergic antagonists. These results show that under in vitro perfusion the territory presents similar responses to adrenergic drugs to those observed in in vivo models and also provides evidence of myogenic autoregulatory properties in the rabbit ophthalmic artery and/or choroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Delgado
- Clinical Department, Centre for Interdisciplinary Investigation into Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Pournaras CJ, Rungger-Brändle E, Riva CE, Hardarson SH, Stefansson E. Regulation of retinal blood flow in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2008; 27:284-330. [PMID: 18448380 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optimal retinal neuronal cell function requires an appropriate, tightly regulated environment, provided by cellular barriers, which separate functional compartments, maintain their homeostasis, and control metabolic substrate transport. Correctly regulated hemodynamics and delivery of oxygen and metabolic substrates, as well as intact blood-retinal barriers are necessary requirements for the maintenance of retinal structure and function. Retinal blood flow is autoregulated by the interaction of myogenic and metabolic mechanisms through the release of vasoactive substances by the vascular endothelium and retinal tissue surrounding the arteriolar wall. Autoregulation is achieved by adaptation of the vascular tone of the resistance vessels (arterioles, capillaries) to changes in the perfusion pressure or metabolic needs of the tissue. This adaptation occurs through the interaction of multiple mechanisms affecting the arteriolar smooth muscle cells and capillary pericytes. Mechanical stretch and increases in arteriolar transmural pressure induce the endothelial cells to release contracting factors affecting the tone of arteriolar smooth muscle cells and pericytes. Close interaction between nitric oxide (NO), lactate, arachidonic acid metabolites, released by the neuronal and glial cells during neural activity and energy-generating reactions of the retina strive to optimize blood flow according to the metabolic needs of the tissue. NO, which plays a central role in neurovascular coupling, may exert its effect, by modulating glial cell function involved in such vasomotor responses. During the evolution of ischemic microangiopathies, impairment of structure and function of the retinal neural tissue and endothelium affect the interaction of these metabolic pathways, leading to a disturbed blood flow regulation. The resulting ischemia, tissue hypoxia and alterations in the blood barrier trigger the formation of macular edema and neovascularization. Hypoxia-related VEGF expression correlates with the formation of neovessels. The relief from hypoxia results in arteriolar constriction, decreases the hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries and venules, and relieves endothelial stretching. The reestablished oxygenation of the inner retina downregulates VEGF expression and thus inhibits neovascularization and macular edema. Correct control of the multiple pathways, such as retinal blood flow, tissue oxygenation and metabolic substrate support, aiming at restoring retinal cell metabolic interactions, may be effective in preventing damage occurring during the evolution of ischemic microangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin J Pournaras
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vitreo-Retina Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, 22 rue Alcide Jentzer, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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Interaction between flicker-induced vasodilatation and pressure autoregulation in early retinopathy of type 2 diabetes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 246:763-9. [PMID: 18265996 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-008-0766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2007] [Revised: 01/03/2008] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy is accompanied with changes in the autoregulation of retinal blood flow secondary to changes in the systemic blood pressure and the retinal metabolism. In the present study we tested the working hypothesis that there is an interaction between these mechanisms that might be relevant for understanding and treating flow disturbances in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS Fifty-four persons divided into three age and sex matched groups were studied: Group 1: twenty normal persons. Group 2: fourteen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no diabetic retinopathy. Group 3: twenty type 2 diabetic patients with minimal diabetic retinopathy and a diabetes duration similar to that of the patients in group 2. Using the Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA) the diameter response of retinal arterioles was studied in all groups after an increase in the blood pressure by isometric exercise, during exposition to 8 Hz flickering light, and during simultaneous exposition to both stimulus conditions. RESULTS The increased blood pressure induced by isometric exercise induced a non-significant vasoconstriction in the normal persons and in the diabetic patients without retinopathy (p=0.10 and p=0.84 respectively), and a non-significant vasodilatation in the diabetic patients with mild retinopathy (p=0.10). The flicker stimulus elicited a significant vasodilatation of retinal arterioles that decreased significantly from the normal persons to the diabetic patients without and with retinopathy (linear regression, p<0.01). The flicker-induced vasodilatation was not significantly affected by a simultaneous increase in the arterial blood pressure in normal persons (p=0.85). Conversely, in the diabetic patients the reduced diameter response during flicker was counteracted by a simultaneous increase in the blood pressure, to a level not differing significantly from the response of normal persons (p=0.75). CONCLUSIONS Intervention studies aimed at modifying perfusion in retinal disease should consider the interaction between different mechanisms for autoregulating retinal blood flow. New treatment modalities for retinal vascular disease might need to target several mechanisms of tone control in retinal arterioles simultaneously.
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Wiemer NGM, Eekhoff EMW, Simsek S, Heine RJ, Ringens PJ, Polak BCP, Dubbelman M. The effect of acute hyperglycemia on retinal thickness and ocular refraction in healthy subjects. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 246:703-8. [PMID: 18219490 PMCID: PMC2292474 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-007-0729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 11/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To quantify the retinal thickness and the refractive error of the healthy human eye during hyperglycemia by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Hartmann–Shack aberrometry. Methods Hyperglycemia was induced in five healthy subjects who were given a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after a subcutaneous injection of somatostatin. Main outcome parameters were the central, pericentral and peripheral thickness of the fovea, measured by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT3). Ocular refractive error was determined with Hartmann-Shack aberrometry. Measurements at baseline and during maximal hyperglycemia were analyzed, and a change was considered clinically significant if the difference between the measurements exceeded the threshold of 50 μm for retinal thickness and 0.2 D for refractive error. Results During hyperglycemia (mean blood glucose level at baseline: 4.0 mmol/l; mean maximal blood glucose level: 18.4 mmol/l) no significant changes could be found in the central, pericentral, or peripheral foveal thickness in any of the five subjects. One of the subjects had a hyperopic shift of 0.4 D, but no significant change in refractive error was found in any of the other subjects. Conclusions The present study shows that in healthy subjects induced hyperglycemia does not affect retinal thickness, but it can cause a small hyperopic shift of refraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanouk G M Wiemer
- Department of Ophthalmology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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