The Role of Nitric Oxide on Cataractogenesis in Uveitis Model Induced by Concanavalin A and Lipopolysaccharide

ABSTRACT

Nitric oxide[NO]plays a diverse role in many biological systems such as vascular, nervous and respiratory system. Recently, many studies have been performed to define the relationship between NO and physiological and pathophysiological processes. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of NO on cataractogenesis in uveitis model induced by Con A and LPS. Forty-five white male rabbits were divided into five experimental groups[ten rabbits for each group I, II, III, IV;five rabbits for group V, control]. The rabbits were received intravitreal injection of Con A[I], Con A &L-NAME [II], LPS[III], LPS &L-NAME[IV], BSS[Vfor control], respectively. After injection, the author evaluated the inflammatory grade, cataractous lens changes, NO[nitrite+nitrate]concentration in response to each material in aqueous humor and vitreous cavity and MDA concentration of lens with time interval. Other 7 rabbits 'eyes were enucleated and 14 fresh lenses were extracted to investigate the correlation with in vivo study via lens culture in 12-well plate. These results suggested that NO was closely related to Con A and LPS induced cataractogenesis in uveitis model and Con A was a more reliable candidate due to its prolonged effect. NOS inhibitors could suppress both inflammation and cataract formation. Potent oxidant, peroxynitrite played an important role on NO related cataractogenesis. So, on the clinical basis, NOS inhibitors may be useful in prevention of cataract in inflammatory condition of the eyes but further studies are needed for the confirmation of stability and selectivity of the NOS inhibitors.