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Diazinon-induced ulcerative keratitis in C57bl/6 mice
Ebrahim Zabihi1, Abbas Soleymani, Leila Ghassemi
1Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganje-Afrooz Avenue, 41367-47146 Babol, Iran ; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganje-Afrooz Avenue, 41367-47146 Babol, Iran.
Journal of Ocular Biology, Diseases, and Informatics
|December 7, 2013
Summary
Diazinon (DZN), an organophosphate insecticide, caused ulcerative keratitis and vision loss in mice. High doses of DZN may lead to eye damage through immunosuppressive effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Diazinon (DZN) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide.
- Ophthalmic toxicity of DZN typically involves cholinergic overstimulation, causing lacrimation and myosis.
- Previous research has not identified ulcerative keratitis as a DZN-induced ocular effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of sub-acute diazinon exposure to induce ulcerative keratitis.
- To examine the dose-dependent effects of DZN on ocular health in a mouse model.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms, including immunosuppression, of DZN-induced ocular toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of female C57bl/6 mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of DZN (1, 5, 25 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days.
- Histopathological examinations of mouse eyes were conducted using light microscopy to score corneal keratitis.
- Blood cholinesterase activity and hematologic parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant ulcerative keratitis and rapid vision loss were observed in mice exposed to 5 and 25 mg/kg/day of DZN (P < 0.05).
- Histopathological findings confirmed dose-dependent corneal damage.
- Cholinesterase activity and hematologic profiles indicated systemic effects consistent with organophosphate exposure.
Conclusions:
- Sub-acute exposure to high doses of diazinon can induce ulcerative keratitis and vision loss in C57bl/6 mice.
- These findings suggest that diazinon may exert its ocular toxicity through immunosuppressive mechanisms at elevated exposure levels.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise pathways linking DZN exposure, immunosuppression, and keratitis development.
