Histopathological changes of the optic nerve after intravitreal injection of colchicine

ABSTRACT

Colchicine is a drug commonly used in the prophylaxis and treatment of gout. Also, it is of good role in the therapy of Behcet's disease. The optic nerve effects after eight weeks durations of 10 and 100 micro .g of intravitreal injection of colchicine were studied on pigmented rabbits. The present histopathological electron microscopic studies on the optic nerve showed all forms of optic neuritis. These forms included decreased content of neurotubules in the axoplasm of myelinated fibers and oligodendrocytes. In addition, thinned out myelin sheath, reaching up to disrupted myelin in high doses were observed, indicating the myelinolyic effect of colchicine. Contracted axolemma, was also seen. Clumping of nuclear chromatin and intended nucleus of oligodendrocytes were prominent observations