Pharmacological Interventions for Vascular Targeting in Retinopathy of Prematurity: An Experimental Study
Aron, N.; Nath, M.; Vardhan Azad, S.; Chandra, P.; Vardhan Azad, R.; Velpandian, T.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 60(3): 282-290
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5499 PMID: 29957984 Document Number: 685941
This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacological interventions to target vascular proliferation in the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Protein Kinase C modulator (Bryostatin), tubulin polymerization inhibitor (Dolastatin 10), antiVEGF (Bevacizumab) and a non-specific VEGF inhibitor (Thalidomide) were screened in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) model. The retinal vasculature was evaluated by calculating the tortuosity indices of vessels and electroretinography responses in terms of 'b' wave amplitude and was recorded from ROP rats on postnatal Day 17 and Day 25. Retinopathy was seen in the form of tortousity of vessels at the posterior pole with arteries being affected more than veins. Maximum reduction in tortousity of vessels and the highest 'b' wave amplitude noted in bryostatin with a significant correlation between the two. Bryostatin showed a potential anti-angiogenic effect on the progression of ROP and may hold a promising future in the treatment of ROP.