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. 2010;3(4):291-4.
doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2010.04.03. Epub 2010 Dec 18.

Optic nerve lesions in diabetic rats: blood flow to the optic nerve, permeability of micro blood vessels and histopathology

Jun-Ping Zhao  1 , Zhi-Zhong Ma, Chen Song, Xiang-Hong Li, Yu-Zhen Li, Yu-Ying Liu
Affiliations

Optic nerve lesions in diabetic rats: blood flow to the optic nerve, permeability of micro blood vessels and histopathology

Jun-Ping Zhao et al. Int J Ophthalmol. 2010.

Abstract

Aim: To study optic nerve lesions, changes in blood flow to the optic nerve, and permeability of micro blood vessels and histopathology in diabetic rats.

Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=20) were randomly divided into control and diabetic groups. The diabetic model was prepared by a single injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kg) into the caudal vein. Three months later, laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to observe the changes in blood flow to the optic nerve. Each rat was injected with 15g/L Evans blue (5µL/g). The permeability of microvessels in diabetic optic nerves was measured by spectrophotometry. Optic nerves were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results: Diabetic rats had atrophic optic nerve fibers with neurite swelling, loss of myelin, and a greater-than-normal proliferation of astrocytes, occurring within 3 months of induction of diabetes. Blood flow to the optic nerve was lower in diabetic rats than in controls. Microvessel permeability in diabetic rats increased 2.03-fold compared to controls.

Conclusion: Diabetic rats develop significant pathological changes in the optic nerve, reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and increase microvessel permeability.

Keywords: blood flow; diabetes; optic nerve lesion; permeability of microvessels.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Optic nerve fiber structure in rats
A: Control; B: Diabetic
Figure 2
Figure 2. Optic nerve fiber ultrastructure in rats
A: Control; B1, B2 and B3: Diabetic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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