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Abstract #5998 Published in IGR 2-2
Appearance of the optic disk and retinal nerve fiber layer in atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension: an experimental study in rhesus monkeys
Hayreh SS; Jonas JBAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology 2000; 130: 91-96
PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the appearance of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer of rhesus monkeys with chronic arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. METHODS: Color stereoscopic fundus photographs of 25 eyes of 25 rhesus monkeys (mean age ± SD of 20.4 ± 1.87 years) with chronic experimental systemic arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis (for a mean duration of 89.1 ± 39.1 months and 104.6 ± 62.2 months, respectively) were morphometrically evaluated. They were compared with color stereoscopic fundus photographs of 17 eyes of 17 normal monkeys (mean age ± SD of 19.76 ± 2.19 years) without any detectable systemic or ocular disease. There was no significant difference in age between the two study groups (p = 0.22). RESULTS: In the atherosclerotic-arterial hypertensive group, visibility of the retinal nerve fiber layer was significantly (35.691 ± 5.95 units versus 28.72 ± 9.18 units, p = 0.009) less, and frequency of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects was significantly (six of 25 of 24% versus zero of 17 or 0%, p = 0.01) more than in the normal control group. The two groups did not differ significantly in size of the neuroretinal rim (p = 0.66), shape of the neuroretinal rim (p > 0.15), size of alpha (p > 0.44) and beta (p > 0.65) zones of parapapillary chorioretinal atrophy, or regional distribution of alpha and beta zones (p > 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic experimental arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis do not markedly change the size and shape of the neuroretinal rim or parapapillary atrophy; however, they do lead to reduced visibility of the retinal nerve fiber layer, with localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects indicating optic nerve damage. Thus, unlike glaucomatous optic neuropathy, experimental arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis are not associated with a significant change in the parapapillary atrophy or the neuroretinal rim of the optic disc, despite the loss of nerve fibers.
Dr. S.S. Hayreh, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1091, USA. sohan-hayreh@uiowa.edu
Classification:
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
9.2.2 Other risk factors for glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.2 Primary open angle glaucomas)
5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models
