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Investigation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Riluzole on Matrix Metalloproteinases in an Experimental Model of
Fatma Yildiz1, Nedime Sahinoglu-Keskek2, Işıl Tan Yilmaz3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Health Services Vocational School, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya, Turkey.
Purpose:
To investigate the neuroprotective effect of riluzole through matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in rats, in an experimental glaucoma model.
Methods:
A total of 28 Wistar albino rats, 3-4 months old, weighing 250-300 g, were divided into four groups; Group I (control), Group II (glaucoma), Group III (glaucoma + corn oil + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and Group IV (glaucoma + corn oil + DMSO + riluzole). A glaucoma model was created by episcleral vein cauterization in the left eyes of Group II, III, and IV subjects. After the formation of the model, daily intraperitoneal riluzole (5 mg/kg) administration was started. At the end of 7 weeks, retinal tissues were taken and some parts of them were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examinations. In the other part, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were determined using real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical techniques.
Results:
As a result, a statistically significant increase in intraocular pressures (IOP) was found in Groups II, III, and IV when compared with the control eyes after 7 weeks (P < 0.001). There was a decrease in IOP in the riluzole group compared to the glaucoma group. Expression levels in both genes decreased slightly with riluzole administration. In the histopathological evaluation of the groups, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the findings of degeneration in ganglion cells, hemorrhage, and differentiation in layers.
Conclusions:
MMP-2 and MMP-9 exhibited decreased expression levels in both Group III (glaucoma + corn oil + DMSO) and Group IV (glaucoma + corn oil + DMSO + 5 mg/kg riluzole) compared to the glaucoma groups in Group II. Given that both Group III and Group IV received injections of corn oil + DMSO, this conclusion was drawn.
Insights
Riluzole showed a decrease in intraocular pressure and matrix metalloproteinase expression in an experimental rat glaucoma model. Histopathology revealed no significant differences in ganglion cell degeneration or retinal layers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis.
- Riluzole is a neuroprotective agent with potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effect of riluzole in an experimental rat glaucoma model.
- To assess the impact of riluzole on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression.
- To evaluate histopathological changes in retinal tissues.
Main Methods:
- An experimental glaucoma model was established in Wistar albino rats via episcleral vein cauterization.
- Rats were divided into control, glaucoma, and glaucoma + riluzole treatment groups.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP), MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression (qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry), and retinal histopathology were assessed after 7 weeks.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma induction significantly increased IOP in relevant groups (P < 0.001).
- Riluzole treatment led to a decrease in IOP compared to untreated glaucoma groups.
- MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels showed a slight decrease with riluzole administration.
Conclusions:
- Riluzole demonstrates a potential neuroprotective effect in experimental glaucoma, indicated by reduced IOP.
- Riluzole may modulate MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, although histopathological findings showed no significant differences in retinal damage.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of riluzole's action in glaucoma.
