Abstract
Purpose::
The main objective was to determine if neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays a role in control of retinal blood velocity and retinal cellular function, assessed by electroretinogram (ERG).
Methods::
Retinal blood velocity was determined by tracking 1 µm yellow-green fluorescent microspheres (505 nm maximum absorption and 515 nm maximum emission) in anesthetized pigmented adult rats. Using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope, retinal blood velocities were obtained in arteries, veins, and small vessels by recording several 2-min digital movies at each time point. Directional flow of fluorescent microspheres and vessel characterization were determined based on examination of infrared reflectance and fluorescein angiogram images. Post-treatment velocity measurements were obtained every 15 minutes for ~2 hours. In separate experiments, retinal cellular function was assessed by dark-adapted corneal single- and paired-flash ERG. The NO levels were modulated by one 3 µl intravitreal injections of either nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM, 2 mM vit. conc, nNOS inhibitor) and NG-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 2.5 mM vit. conc, nonselective inhibitor).
Results::
TRIM treatment decreased arterial velocity by ~18%, venous velocity by ~8% and small vessel (diameter < 40µm) velocity by ~5%. After L-NAME treatment, arterial velocity decreased significantly by ~19% and venous velocity decreased by ~33%. Single flash a- and b-wave amplitudes increased ~5% and ~20%, respectively, after the TRIM treatment where both a- and b-wave amplitudes decreased by ~30% after the L-NAME treatment. Time courses obtained through the paired-flash recordings after the TRIM injection were also altered. At a brighter test flash, the recovery of time course was slower compared to the pre- TRIM injection time course.
Conclusions::
These results suggested that nNOS may be involved in both retinal signal processing and retinal blood flow control.
Keywords: nitric oxide • electroretinography: non-clinical • blood supply