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Effect of nifedipine on severe experimental cataract in diabetic rats
Sokichi Kametaka1, Takafumi Kasahara, Mayumi Ueo
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the effects of Ca(2+)-channel blockers on sugar cataract formation in streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced diabetic rats that were given 5% D-glucose as drinking water. The diabetic rats were treated with an L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker, nifedipine or verapamil, for 9 weeks from the 3rd day of streptozotocin injection. Using the full lens images of the horizontal plane captured with the new digital camera system that we developed recently, the cataract formation was quantitatively assessed in parallel with the conventional scaling method. In the animal model of diabetes mellitus, the cataracts at the peripheral region of the lens were detected 2 weeks after induction of hyperglycemia and progressed depending on the length of the diabetic period. The majority of them developed mature cataracts after 9 weeks of hyperglycemia. Nifedipine slowed the progression rate of diabetic cataracts without affecting the period of time required for the onset of this disease, whereas verapamil had no significant inhibitory effect on the diabetic cataract. These findings suggest that nifedipine may be considered as a candidate drug to suppress the progression of diabetic cataracts.
Insights
Nifedipine slowed the progression of sugar cataracts in diabetic rats. Verapamil did not show significant effects, suggesting nifedipine may help prevent advanced diabetic cataracts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic cataracts are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Hyperglycemia in diabetes accelerates cataract formation.
- Calcium channel blockers are being investigated for their potential therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of L-type calcium channel blockers in preventing sugar cataract formation in a diabetic rat model.
- To evaluate the effects of nifedipine and verapamil on the progression of diabetic cataracts.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administered 5% D-glucose solution.
- Diabetic rats were treated with nifedipine or verapamil for 9 weeks.
- Cataract formation was quantitatively assessed using a digital camera system and conventional scaling.
Main Results:
- Diabetic cataracts were detected within 2 weeks of hyperglycemia induction and progressed over 9 weeks.
- Nifedipine significantly slowed the progression rate of diabetic cataracts.
- Verapamil did not demonstrate a significant inhibitory effect on diabetic cataract progression.
Conclusions:
- Nifedipine shows potential as a therapeutic agent to suppress the progression of diabetic cataracts.
- The findings highlight the differential effects of calcium channel blockers on diabetic cataractogenesis.
