Abstract
Purpose::
To survey the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP) in macaque monkeys in the Fujian Experiemntal Center of Non-Human Primate (FECNP).
Methods::
IOP of 164 macaque monkeys in the FECNP was measured by a pneumotonometer under ketamine (5-10mg/kg) anesthesia between 8-12 A.M. The monkey eyes were also examined by a slit lamp.
Results::
The animals were divided into different age groups: babies (age ≤ 1 year, n = 19), juveniles (age = 1-3 years, n = 13), and adults (age ≥ 4 years, n = 132). In the adult group, the subjects can be further sub-divided into young adults (age = 4-11 years, n = 70), and old adults (age > 11 years, n = 62); as well as females (n = 86; among them 23 were nursing and 63 were not) and males (n = 46). IOP of baby monkeys (24.5 ± 4.8 mmHg, mean ± SD) was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of the juvenile group (15.2 ± 3.6 mmHg), female adult group (19.7 ± 3.8 mmHg), and male adult group (18.7 ± 2.7 mmHg). IOP of nursing female monkeys (20.1 ± 2.8 mmHg) was significantly (P<0.02) higher than the juvenile and male adult groups. IOP of the juvenile group (15.2 ± 3.6 mmHg) was significantly (P<0.01) lower than all the other groups. Ocular hypertension (IOP > 21 mmHg) was found in 30% of nursing female adult monkeys and 89% of baby monkeys that were being breast-fed by the nursing females. In 132 adult monkeys, IOP was 19.2 ± 3.6 mmHg. There was no statistically significant difference in IOP between OD and OS in all groups.
Conclusions::
The current survey provides a baseline information of IOP in a cohort of macaque monkeys in the FECNP. The interesting observation that a high percentage of nursing female adults and breast-fed babies had increased IOP may indicate an involvement of lactating hormones or nursing in the development of ocular hypertension, which requires further investigations.
Keywords: intraocular pressure • detection • grouping and segmentation