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Amiodarone-induced lipidosis-like alterations in ocular tissues of rats
Abstract:
The antianginal drug amiodarone (an amphiphilic cationic compound) causes a keratopathy in humans. In the present investigation the cytologic effects of amiodarone on ocular tissues of rats were studied. Ultrastructural alterations, which are typical of human keratopathy and characteristic of drug-induced lipidosis, could be experimentally reproduced in rats by local application of amiodarone. Repeated oral administration of high drug doses induced lipidosis-like alterations in many ocular cell types, particularly in retinal pigment epithelium. It is concluded that amiodarone has the potency to induce generalized lipidosis in rats, as do several other previously investigated amphiphilic cationic drugs. It is tentatively suggested that amiodarone-induced corneal alterations in humans might equally be interpreted as part of a generalized lipidosis.
Insights
Amiodarone, an antianginal medication, causes ocular lipidosis in rats, mimicking human keratopathy. This suggests amiodarone may induce generalized lipidosis in humans, not just corneal changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Amiodarone, an amphiphilic cationic compound used as an antianginal drug, is known to cause keratopathy in humans.
- Drug-induced lipidosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of lipids within cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytologic effects of amiodarone on ocular tissues in rats.
- To determine if amiodarone can experimentally induce keratopathy and lipidosis in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with amiodarone via local application and repeated oral administration at high doses.
- Ocular tissues were examined using ultrastructural analysis to identify cellular alterations.
Main Results:
- Ultrastructural alterations consistent with human keratopathy and drug-induced lipidosis were reproduced in rats following local amiodarone application.
- Repeated oral administration of high amiodarone doses led to lipidosis-like changes in various ocular cell types, notably the retinal pigment epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Amiodarone has the potential to induce generalized lipidosis in rats, similar to other amphiphilic cationic drugs.
- The corneal alterations observed in humans treated with amiodarone may be a manifestation of a generalized lipidosis.