Assessment of nitric oxide level in aqueous humor under physiological conditions and after lens extraction with PMMA during experimental work in rabbits
Jurowski, P.; Goś, R.; Goś, A.; Kedziora, J.; Błaszczyk, J.; Piasecka, G.
Klinika Oczna 102(6): 389-394
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-2157 PMID: 11392795 Document Number: 518332
To evaluate the presence of nitric oxide and measure its level in the aqueous humor of the rabbit's eye, in physiological conditions and after extracapsular lens extraction and PMMA artificial lens implantation. We also investigated nitric oxide maintenance during early postoperative period (between 1-5 day after surgery). We used 30 rabbits (weighing 3.0-3.5 kg) Just before surgery samples of aqueous humor were aspirated by anterior chamber puncture. Lens was extracted with extracapsular (envelope) technique. In 15 eyes PMMA IOL was implanted in the bag and 15 eyes were left aphakic. The aqueous samples were collected on 1st, 3rd, 5th days after surgery. Nitric oxide in each sample was measured with respect to fluorometric assay. In aqueous humor in physiological conditions we detected nitric oxide. Its level was estimated on the value of 26.52 nM/dl. After extracapsular lens extraction in both groups the level of nitric oxide was significantly higher than in control group. The day and value of NO level was different among examined groups. Nitric oxide level diminished significantly on 5th postoperative day. We came to conclusion that after ECCE and PMMA IOL implantation NO level was significantly higher as compared with control. This higher NO level after lens extraction can be responsible for the blood aqueous breakdown.