Histopathological changes in retinas and F-ERG features of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with ozone

Abstract

AIM: To study the histopathological changes in the retina and flash electroretinogram (F-ERG) features of ozone-treated streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Seventy male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped as follows: blank group (GB, n=10), model control group (GM, n=18), ozone group (GO3, n=19), and oxygen group (GO2, n=18). The model was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Ozone or oxygen enteroclysm was given twice per week for 4wk. F-ERG and histopathological examinations were performed one month after treatment. RESULTS: Under dark adaption, as compared to GB, the other groups each had differential decreases in the a-wave amplitudes (P0.05). There were significant differences in the apoptosis index among the groups (P<0.05). Under ozone treatment, apoptosis was decreased in GO3 as compared to GM and GO2. CONCLUSION: Ozone administration alleviates nerve damage and reduces pathology and apoptosis in the retinas of diabetic rats.

Keywords

• diabetic rat retina
• ozone treatment
• histopathological changes
• flash electroretinogram features
• flash electroretinogram features