Argatroban Attenuates Leukocyte Rolling and Accumulation in the Non–photocoagulated Retina after Scatter Laser Photocoagulation

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Recently, argatroban, a thrombin inhibitor, has been clinically used for acute phase of cerebral infarction, chronic arterial obstruction, and so on. Thrombin has been reported to play an important role of leukocyte–endothelial interactions. It has been also reported that scatter laser photocoagulation caused inflammatory leukocyte–endothelial interactions not only in the photocoagulated but also in the untreated half of the retina. In the current study, we investigated the efficacy of argatroban on leukocyte dynamics in non–photocoagulated retina after scatter laser photocoagulation. Methods: Argon laser photocoagulation was performed in one half of the retina in male Long–Evans rats. Argatroban was administered constantly by intra–abdominal osmotic pump just before photocoagulation. In the other half of the retina, leukocyte dynamics at 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 hours after photocoagulation were evaluated in vivo with acridine orange digital fluorography. Results: Treatment with argatroban reduced the numbers of rolling and accumulated leukocytes by 46.6% (p<0.01) and 51.4% (p<0.01) compared with the vehicle–treated group, respectively. Conclusions: Argatroban suppressed leukocyte–endothelial interactions in non–photocoagulated retina after scatter laser photocoagulation. It was suggested that argatroban attenuated the subsequent tissue injury. It was also suggested to prevent the retinal edema after laser photocoagulation.

Keywords: retina • laser • inflammation