Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Dogs fed galactose develop diabetes-like ocular complications that include cataracts, and retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether galactosemic dogs display reduced aqueous flow similar to that observed in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) and whether any aqueous flow changes can be reversed by returning these dogs to a normal diet. Methods: Twelve male beagles were divided into three groups of four. The Galactose group was fed diet containing 30% galactose for 8 years and the Reversal group was only fed the galactose diet for an initial 38 months then standard dog diet for the remaining 58 months. The Control group was fed standard dog diet for 8 years. All measurements were made in one eye/dog. IOP was measured once in the morning by pneumatonometry, and aqueous flow was determined by fluorophotometry. Anterior chamber (AC) depth was measured by ultrasound and body weight was recorded. Results: As summarized below, aqueous flow was significantly reduced (p<.05) in dogs fed galactose compared to healthy, age-matched control dogs. This reduction was not reversed by removing dogs from the galactose diet after 38 months of galactose feeding. While the galactose-fed dogs had significantly increased body weights (p<.05), the IOP and anterior chamber depth were similar in all three groups of dogs. Values are Mean ± S.D. *Statistically significant Conclusion: Galactose-fed dogs demonstrate irreversible reduced aqueous flow that is similar to that found in patients with DM1. This animal model may be useful for the study of aqueous humor dynamics in diabetes.
Keywords: 438 inflow/ciliary body • 316 animal model • 387 diabetes