Abstract | AIMS: METHODS: Groups of pigmented rabbits, six in each group, were dosed during 10 weeks with one of the substances under investigation, and one untreated group was the control. Samples of anterior and posterior sclera were taken for determination of hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, proline, proteoglycans, uronic acids and dermatan sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, and hyaluronic acid. Sections were examined with electron microscopy, and the diameter of the individual collagen fibrils was measured. RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
7-Methylxanthine, a metabolite of caffeine, increases collagen concentration and the diameter of collagen fibrils in the posterior sclera, and may be useful for treatment or prevention of conditions associated with low level and/or inferior quality of scleral collagen, such as axial myopia, chronic open angle glaucoma, and possibly neovascular age related macular degeneration. The apparent loss of collagen induced by chronic treatment with acetazolamide should be taken into consideration as a potentially harmful side effect. These results may indicate that scleral biochemistry and ultrastructure are influenced by the retinal pigment epithelium. One possible explanation is that the scleral fibroblasts which produce the collagen are sensitive to changes in the physiological electric field created by the retinal pigment epithelium.
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Authors | K Trier, E B Olsen, T Kobayashi, S M Ribel-Madsen |
Journal | The British journal of ophthalmology
(Br J Ophthalmol)
Vol. 83
Issue 12
Pg. 1370-5
(Dec 1999)
ISSN: 0007-1161 [Print] England |
PMID | 10574816
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Amino Acids
- Glycosaminoglycans
- Proteoglycans
- Uronic Acids
- Vasodilator Agents
- Xanthines
- Collagen
- Ornithine
- 7-methylxanthine
- Acetazolamide
- Theobromine
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Topics |
- Acetazolamide
(pharmacology)
- Amino Acids
(metabolism)
- Animals
- Collagen
(metabolism)
- Female
- Glycosaminoglycans
(metabolism)
- Ornithine
(pharmacology)
- Proteoglycans
(metabolism)
- Rabbits
- Sclera
(drug effects, metabolism, ultrastructure)
- Theobromine
(pharmacology)
- Uronic Acids
(metabolism)
- Vasodilator Agents
(pharmacology)
- Xanthines
(pharmacology)
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