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Effect of mitomycin C on the optic nerve in rabbits
H Mietz1, T C Prager, C Schweitzer
1Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Mitomycin C (MMC) application during optic nerve surgery in rabbits caused vision impairment. Higher MMC concentrations led to more significant vision loss, indicating a dose-dependent toxic effect on optic nerves.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Scarring after optic nerve sheath decompression can impair vision.
- Mitomycin C (MMC) is explored as an anti-scarring agent.
- Potential neurotoxicity of MMC to the optic nerve requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of mitomycin C (MMC) to cause optic neuropathy.
- To assess the dose-dependent toxicity of MMC on optic nerves in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit optic nerves were treated with balanced salt solution (BSS) or varying concentrations of MMC (0.2, 0.5 mg/ml).
- Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded pre- and post-surgery.
- Optic nerves underwent light and electron microscopy examination.
Main Results:
- MMC application significantly reduced VEP responses in a dose-dependent manner.
- Higher MMC concentrations (0.5 mg/ml) resulted in greater VEP amplitude reduction.
- Histopathological and electron microscopy revealed no distinct abnormalities despite functional deficits.
Conclusions:
- Mitomycin C exhibits short-term, dose-dependent toxicity to rabbit optic nerves.
- VEPs reliably detected functional alterations, while histopathology did not show clear damage.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of MMC-induced optic neuropathy.