LAMOTRIGINE NEUROPROTECTION IN THE RABBIT RETINA AFTER PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY WITH SILICONE OIL TAMPONADE

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To verify the neuroprotective potential of lamotrigine in the rabbit retina after pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. Methods: Ten young albino rabbits underwent standard three port pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal silicone oil injection. The rabbits were then randomized into 2 groups. Group I received an oral daily dose of 25 mg/kg of lamotrigine, and group II received an oral daily dose of saline. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks after vitrectomy and the eyes processed for light microscopy. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the retinal cells were made using Zeiss Axioplot microscope and KS400 software (Carl Zeiss Vision). Results: Light microscopy showed a higher rate of picnotic nuclei in retinas from group II. Group I retinal cell density from the outer nuclear layer was significantly higher (p<0,05) in group I retinas compared to group II. Although retinal cell density from the inner nuclear layer was higher in group I, the difference was not statiscally significant. Conclusions: Lamotrigine was effective in reducing retinal cell death related to silicone oil injury in the outer nuclear layer one month after vitrectomy.

Keywords: neuroprotection • pharmacology • retina