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Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
Published on: February 10, 2012
Administration of Nicotine Can Inhibit Myopic Growth in Animal Models
Kate Thomson1, Cindy Karouta1, Regan Ashby1,2
1Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Canberra, Australia.
Purpose:
While previously investigating the mechanism by which atropine inhibits ocular growth, we observed that stimulation of nicotinic receptors can inhibit experimental myopia. This study expands on that preliminary finding and investigates the safety and efficacy of nicotinic stimulation in the inhibition of ocular growth.
Methods:
Nicotine's ability to inhibit form-deprivation myopia (FDM), following intravitreal injection (9 chicks per group) or topical application (6 chicks per group), was investigated over three doses. The ability of nicotine to inhibit lens-induced myopia (LIM) was also tested (in 12 chicks). For ocular safety, following 4 weeks of topical treatment with nicotine (n = 10), pupillary reflex, intraocular pressure, corneal curvature/thickness, lens thickness, retinal health (retinal thickness/cell apoptosis), as well as retinal function (electroretinogram recordings) were assessed. We also examined the effects of nicotine on non-ocular autonomic functions in both chicks (n = 5) and mice (n = 5).
Results:
Nicotine was observed to significantly inhibit the development of FDM in chicks when administered as an intravitreal injection (P < 0.05) or topical eye drops (P < 0.05), albeit not in a dose-dependent manner. Nicotine also inhibited LIM (P < 0.05) to a similar degree to that seen for FDM. Although ocular health was (for the most part) unaffected by nicotine, the highest topical dose induced a temporary reduction in cardiorespiratory output (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Nicotine, administered as an intravitreal injection or topical eye drop, significantly inhibits the development of experimental myopia. Although the anti-myopic effects observed presently are interesting, the well-reported side effects (expanded on presently) and addictive properties of nicotine would preclude its clinical use.
Insights
Nicotine effectively inhibits experimental myopia through eye injections or drops, but its side effects and addiction potential limit clinical use for myopia control.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nicotinic receptor stimulation was previously observed to inhibit ocular growth.
- This study builds upon preliminary findings regarding atropine's mechanism and nicotinic receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the safety and efficacy of nicotinic stimulation in inhibiting ocular growth.
- To determine if nicotine can inhibit experimental myopia models.
Main Methods:
- Nicotine's effect on form-deprivation myopia (FDM) was tested via intravitreal injection and topical application in chicks.
- Nicotine's inhibition of lens-induced myopia (LIM) was assessed in chicks.
- Ocular safety parameters (pupillary reflex, IOP, corneal/lens/retinal health, electroretinogram) and non-ocular autonomic functions were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Nicotine significantly inhibited both FDM and LIM in chicks when administered via intravitreal injection or topical eye drops.
- Inhibition was observed but not in a dose-dependent manner.
- Most ocular health parameters remained unaffected, but the highest topical dose temporarily reduced cardiorespiratory output.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine demonstrates significant anti-myopic effects in experimental models.
- Despite efficacy, nicotine's known side effects and addictive properties make it unsuitable for clinical myopia treatment.
