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The effect of Calcium channel blocker in the Betamethasone-induced Glaucoma model in rabbits

Waleed K. Abdulsahib1*, Sattar J. Abood1

1Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Al- Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Correspondence: Waleed K. Abdulsahib, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Al- Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq. 10070. [email protected]; [email protected].


ABSTRACT

To Evaluate the Ocular-hypotensive Effect of Levamlodipine in the Betamethasone- induced Glaucoma Model in the Rabbits. Ocular-hypertension was made by weekly subconjunctival injection of Celestone Chronodose® for four weeks in the right eye and the left eye was left as a control. The animals were divided into three groups, twice-daily eye drops of Levamlodipine 0.25%, Levamlodipine 0.5 %, and Timolol maleate 0.5% were administered to groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (n = 6 for each group) for 12 days after week 4 of induction. All left eyes (control) administered sterile distilled water (DW) twice daily.

The subconjunctival administration of corticosteroid weekly after four weeks creates a significant (p˂ 0.001) increment in IOP in right eyes in groups 1, 2, and 3. Levamlodipine 0.25% shows a significant decrease in IOP after 3 days (p˂0.001), reaching 23.31±0.56 mmHg. Group 2 that administered 0.5% Levamlodipine, IOP significantly reduced (p˂0.001) (from 23.93±0.61 mmHg to 20.93±0.76 mmHg). Levamlodipine 0.5% produced a significant (p˂ 0.001) drop in the IOP when compared to Levamlodipine 0.25% and Timolol 0.5 in days 6, 9 and 12. During the study period, no systemic adverse events were observed in the left and right eyes of all groups. Levamlodipine has a promising beneficial effect in reducing intraocular pressure in the chronic model of glaucoma.

Keywords: Betamethasone, Levamlodipine, Glaucoma, Timolol


Introduction  

Glaucoma is a complex disorder with several components that participate in its progression. A significant factor of optic nerve damage in glaucoma is increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) [1]. If the treatment of elevated and IOP is not adequate, it may lead to progressive blindness. Parasympathomimetic drugs, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase enzyme, an agonist of the α2-adrenergic receptor, prostaglandin analogs, and inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme are some drugs used for controlling glaucoma [2-4].

The golden choice in the treatment of glaucoma is Timolol eye drops. Nevertheless, Timolol is recognized to reach the systemic circulation and cause different side effects [5]. While glaucoma is considered to be a serious chronic eye condition, there is still no perfect agent to be used for this disease, and there has been a constant urge for new drugs to be discovered [6]

Calcium is an essential intracellular messenger and Ca2+ inflow can have many effects on

dynamics of aqueous humor, including osmotic, ciliary and hydrostatic components [7, 8]. Commonly used to treat hypertension and coronary artery disease, Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) decrease blood vessel tone by suppressing the Ca2+ entrance, inducing vasodilation, and accelerating blood flow in many tissues, including the head of the optic nerve [9]. The synthesis of extracellular matrix collagen protein may also be inhibited by CCBs, indicating beneficial effects on glaucoma [10]. CCB relaxes the trabecular meshwork cells by inhibiting the L-type channel located in the retina of the eye, thereby improving the outflow facilities of aqueous humor [11]. In the dissected eyes of humans, perfusion studies displayed a dose-related rise in the drainage facility later to topical CCBs administration [12]. Levamlodipine is the Amlodipine active enantiomer, and familiar as S-amlodipine. Receptor-binding experiments have shown that (S)-enantiomers can attach to L-type calcium channels and block the Ca ++ influx, unlike the (R)-enantiomer. New research indicates that Levamlodipine can block calcium entrance from transmembrane into the cardio-vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in dilation of vessels and thus a decrease in the pressure of the blood [13]. In the current study, we inspected the hypotensive role of Levamlodipine in the chronic model of glaucoma in the rabbit eyes that was induced by subconjunctival injection of betamethasone.

Experimental animals

Male and female New Zealand white rabbits weighing about 1.6-2.5 kg were housed under suitable environments: humidity, 45 ± 4%, temperature, 25 ± 3 C, and 12- hour light/12-hour dark cycle, animals were easily convenient arrival to food and water. The protocol of the study was accepted by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Pharmacy College, Al Farahidi University.

Materials and Methods

The protocols of the experimental and holding were directed in agreement with the (ARVO) Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Statement. A total of 18 albino rabbits, aged 4 months of both sexes were used in this study. All IOP measurements were obtained with Schiotz tonometer (Biro, Germany) after rabbits anesthetizing through marginal ear vein with (0.5 mg/kg) intravenous Midazolam. Furthermore, eyes anesthetize with topical proparacaine hydrochloride (Alcone) before each IOP measurement. For each IOP measurement, an average of three readings is used. Induction of elevated IOP was performed using a weekly subconjunctival injection of Celestone Chronodose® (Betamethasone acetate and Betamethasone sodium phosphate, MSD Company) for four weeks in the right eye and left eye left as control [14]. IOP measurements were obtained before and after induction with steroids for both eyes every 3 days and at the same time (11 A.M) to avoid diurnal fluctuation of the IOP. The animals were divided into three groups, twice-daily eye drops of Levamlodipine 0.25%, Levamlodipine 0.5 %, and Timolol Maleate 0.5% were administered to groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (n = 6 for each group) for 12 days after week 4 of induction. All left eyes (control) administered sterile distilled water (DW) twice daily. Levamlodipine 0.25% solution was prepared by diluting 250 mg of Levamlodipine pure powder in 10 ml of distilled water, and Levamlodipine 0.5% solution was prepared by diluting 500 mg of Levamlodipine pure powder in 10 ml of distilled water.

Statistical analysis

IOP is expressed as mean ± SD in the tables and as mean ± SE in the figures. The t-test was used for Intragroup comparisons. One-way variance analysis in SPSS version 23 was used to compare the mean of different groups, followed by a Tuckey post-hockey test. Data considered statistically significant if the ‘p’ value less than 0.05.

Results and Discussion

The subconjunctival administration of corticosteroid weekly after four weeks creates a significant (p˂ 0.001) increment in IOP in right eyes in group 1 (from 15.36± 0.45 mmHg to 24.76± 0.47 mmHg), group 2 (from 15.58±0.47 mmHg to 23.93±0.61 mmHg) and group 3 (16.01±0.43 mmHg to 24.8± 0.46 mmHg) when compared with pre-induction IOP (Tables 1-3).

The right eye (group 1) who received topical treatment with 0.25% Levamlodipine had a significant decrease in IOP after 3 days (p˂0.001), reaching 23.31±0.56 mmHg. Besides, a significant (p˂0.001) reduction was observed on day 6 (reaching 22.37±0.72 mmHg), day 9 (reaching 19.45±0.37 mmHg), when compared with the induced IOP (24.76± 0.47 mmHg). At the same time, the left eyes of group 1 did not show any significant (p ˃0.5) reduction in the IOP during the time of the experiment, as shown in Figure 1.

In group 2, as shown in Figure 2, after 3 days of topical administration of 0.5% Levamlodipine, the IOP of the right eye was significantly reduced (p˂0.001) (from 23.93±0.61 mmHg to 20.93±0.76 mmHg). Moreover, it is compared with the induced IOP readings, a significant (p˂0.001) reduction was observed on days 6, 9, and 12. There was no significant reduction in IOP (control) of the left eye that received DW.

For group 3 (positive control) 0.5% Timolol was administered to the right eye for 3 days that showed a significant decrease in IOP (p˂0.001) (from 24.8±0.46 mmHg to 21.1±0.26 mmHg). Besides, compared with the pretreatment IOP, a significant decrease (p˂0.001) was observed on days 6, 9, and 12 as shown in Figure 3.

Levamlodipine 0.5% produced a significant (p˂ 0.001) drop in the IOP when compared to Levamlodipine 0.25% and Timolol 0.5 on days 6, 9, and 12, as shown in Figure 4.

During the study period, no systemic adverse events were observed in the left and right eyes of all groups.

 

 

Figure 1. The Effect of Levamlodipine 0.25% on IOP (mmHg) of Betamethasone Induced Glaucoma. Each reading represents the mean IOP ± SEM of n=6. * Significantly Different from Induction Reading. SEM= Standard Error of the Mean, IOP= Intraocular Pressure

 

Figure 2.  Levamlodipine 0.5% Effect on IOP (mmHg) of Betamethasone Induced Glaucoma. Each reading represents the mean IOP ± SEM of n=6. * Significantly Different from Induction Reading. SEM= Mean of Standard Error, IOP= Intraocular Pressure

 

Figure 3. The Effect of Timolol 0.5% on IOP (mmHg) of Betamethasone Induced Glaucoma Each reading represents mean IOP ± SEM of n=6. * significantly Different from Induction Reading SEM= Standard Error of the Mean, IOP= Intraocular Pressure

 

Figure 4. The Effect of Levamlodipine 0.25%, Levamlodipine 0.5 % and Timolol 0.5% on IOP (mmHg) of Betamethasone induced glaucoma. Each reading represents the mean IOP ± SEM of n=6. * Significantly different from Levamlodipine 0.25% and Timolol 0.5. SEM= Standard Error of Mean, IOP= Intraocular Pressure

 

Table 1. Mean Intraocular Pressure (mmHg) Represented as Initial, Post Subconjunctival Induction using Betamethasone Injection Weekly for 4 doses, and Post-topical Treatment with Levamlodipine 0.25 %. (n= 6)

 

Initial IOP

(mmHg)

After

Induction

Day 3

Day 6

Day 9

Day 12

Right eye Levamlodipine 25% (Treatment)

15.36± 0.45

24.76± 0.47

23.31±0.56

22.37±0.72

19.45±0.37

19.4± 0.45

Left Eye (Control)

16.2± 0.95

25.33± 0.48

24.83± 0.89

24.96± 0.56

25.15± 1.1

24.65± 1.3

 

Table 2. Mean Intraocular Pressure (mmHg) Represented as Initial, Post Subconjunctival Induction using Betamethasone Injection Weekly for 4 Doses, and Post-topical Treatment with Levamlodipine 0. 5 %. (n= 6)

 

Initial IOP (mmHg)

After Betamethasone Induction

Day 3

Day 6

Day 9

Day 12

Right eye Levamlodipine 0.5% (Treatment)

15.58± 0.47

23.93± 0.61

20.93±0.76

18.93±0.30

17.70±0.33

16.7±0.32

Left Eye (Control)

16.11± 0.63

24.15± 0.86

24.11±0.51

24.73±0.68

24.31±0.94

24.7±1.05

 

Table 3. Mean Intraocular Pressure (mmHg) represented as Initial, Post Subconjunctival Induction using Betamethasone Injection Weekly for 4 Doses, and Post-topical Treatment with Timolol 0. 5 %. (n= 6)

 

Initial IOP (mmHg)

After Betamethasone Induction

Day 3

Day 6

Day 9

Day 12

Right Eye Timolol 0.5% (Treatment)

16.01± 0.43

24.8 ± 0.46

21.1±0.26

20.13±0.24

18.38±0.81

17.1±0.67

Left Eye (Control)

15.71± 1.4

25.45± 1.3

25.18±0.57

24.91±0.44

25.06±0.58

24.8±0.89

 

 

Most glaucoma animal models in the previous studies used the normal or low ten­sion IOP to reveal the topical CCBs effects [15]. In the current study, the hypotensive effect of topical Levamlodipine (0.25 and 0.5 percent) on betamethasone-induced ocular hypertension was confirmed (chronic glaucoma model). These findings come following Ganekal et al. that used topical Verapamil and Diltiazem for decreasing IOP in the chronic models [16].  Panchal and the team in one experiment using chronic glaucoma models also show a good reduction in the IOP after 2 hours of topical administration of CCBs [17].  Prabhakar and co-workers display a topical administration of Diltiazem 0.5% and verapamil 0.1% decrease the IOP in steroid-induced glaucoma model of rabbits [18]. Furthermore, another study the Prabhakar shows a good oculo-hypotensive action of orally administered Amlodipine in a patient with IOP of more than 25 mmHg [19]. Additionally, Waleed and co-workers show an obvious drop in the IOP of topical Nimodipine in the Betamethasone-induced model of glaucoma [7]. All these studies gave the important message of the important role of calcium receptor in the formation of aqueous humor.

Calcium channel blockers change the concentration of calcium in the cell, which helps to change the flux of calcium on the cell membrane and affects many processes of intracellular signal transmission [20]. Hydrophilic CCBs act primarily on the optic nerves and cornea, while lipophilic CCBs act centrally [21]. In the glutamate pathway, calcium influx is also considered to be the final step of axon death. Therefore, the capacity to close the influx of calcium will produce a neuroprotective gain [16]. Besides, by inhibiting endothelin-1, CCB can enhance blood flow in the eye [18-21]. Nevertheless, the impact of CCB on IOP stays debatable [22]. Calcium inflows may perhaps have many effects on the dynamics of aqueous humor, which include ciliary body perfusion, a hydrostatic element created by the pressure of the blood, and an osmotic component induced by ciliary epithelium on active sodium, calcium, and other ions secretions [7]. The CCBs affect on ophthalmic blood flow has been discussed by recent studies. Harino et al. proved that the flow of the blood in the head of the optic nerve was improved following the intravenous injection of nicardipine in cats using laser Doppler velocimeter and blood flow meter [23].  Netland et al. found that local verapamil can reduce the ocular resistance of the blood vessels using color Doppler ultrasound analysis [24]. The positive effects of CCBs on defects of the visual field and contrast sensitivity have also been studied [25]. CCBs play an important role in retinal relaxation leading to improve ocular circulation [26]. The Santafe et al.’s study shows that CCBs minimize secretion of aqueous humor [19]. CCB can inhibit the normal formation of aqueous humor through the interference of gap junctions between pigmented epithelial cells and non-pigmented epithelial cells, which will lead to changes in the cell permeability of the ciliary epithelium [17]. The content of cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) in cells of ciliary epithelium can also shift, influencing intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production or increasing outflow facilities [27]. Inactivating calcium channel phosphorylation within the cell membrane, which occurs by inhibition of intracellular calcium absorption, will result in IOP reduction by CCBs [11]. It is well known that the shrinkage characteristics of the trabecular meshwork will be affected by the L-type Ca2 + channel. Maximizing the ease of outflow and trabecular mesh cells is also provided by CCBs [28]. The beneficial effect of blocking calcium channels in treating glaucoma can also be attributed to the reduction of vascular resistance, which increases the speed of blood in the capillaries of the optic nerve head [29]. The findings of our research, by previous studies, showed the IOP reduction behavior of the application of topical CCBs [9, 18].

Conclusion

Levamlodipine has a promising beneficial effect in reducing intraocular pressure in the chronic model of glaucoma.

Acknowledgments: None

Conflict of interest: None

Financial support: None

Ethics statement: The protocol of the experiment was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of the Pharmacy College, Al Farahidi University under the Number 41420 .

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