Accession Number:

ADA398145

Title:

Neuroprotective Treatment of Laser-Induced Retinal Injuries

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 1 Sep 1998-1 Sep 2001

Corporate Author:

SACKLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE TEL HASHOMER (ISRAEL)

Personal Author(s):

• Rosner, Mordechai
• Solberg, Yoram
• Belkin, Michael

Report Date:

2001-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

19.0

Abstract:

Laser induced retinal injuries are operational and medical problem in the battlefield as a result of lasers used in military equipment and the introduction of visually incapacitating laser weapons. It is not possible to prevent all these injuries and there is no treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of dextromethorphan, memantine and brimonidine in our rat model of laser- induced retinal-lesions Methods Argon laser retinal lesions were inflicted in the eyes of 108 pigmented rats. The treated groups 18 rats for each compound received the test treatment by dextromethorphan, memantine or brimonidine. The control groups 18 rats for each compound received the solvent at the same volume and schedule as the tested compound. The rats were sacrificed 3, 20 or 60 days later and the retinal lesions were evaluated by light microscopy and morphometrie measurements. Results No difference was demonstrated between the treated and the control groups, in the histopathologic appearance of the lesions, their size and the magnitude of photoreceptor nuclei loss within the lesions. Conclusions Systemic treatments with dextromethorphan, memantine or brimonidine, when given at the dose and schedule evaluated, are not effective in ameliorating the retinal injury induced by argon laser in rats.

Descriptors:

• *RETINA
• *LASER HAZARDS
• MILITARY EQUIPMENT
• LASER APPLICATIONS
• WOUNDS AND INJURIES
• ARGON LASERS
• LESIONS
• ANATOMICAL MODELS
• PHOTORECEPTORS

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Lasers and Masers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE