Clinical Ophthalmology (Apr 2020)
Effect of Diquafosol Ophthalmic Solution on Airflow-Induced Ocular Surface Disorder in Diabetic Rats
Abstract
Atsuyoshi Dota, Asuka Sakamoto, Takashi Nagano, Tadahiro Murakami, Takeshi Matsugi Nara Research & Development Center, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ikoma-shi, Nara, JapanCorrespondence: Atsuyoshi DotaNara Research & Development Center, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 8916-16 Ikoma-shi, Nara 630-0101, JapanTel +81 743 79 4525Fax +81 743 79 4591Email [email protected]: To examine the effect of 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution (DQS) on ocular surface disorders in diabetic model rats maintained in a continuous airflow condition.Methods: Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats, a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes, were exposed to constant airflow for 8 weeks. After the establishment of the animal model in this environment, DQS or saline was instilled six times a day into GK rat eyes for 6 weeks. Schirmer’s test was performed before and after 6-week instillations. Corneal fluorescein staining was scored at 2-, 4-, and 6-week instillations. Touch thresholds for the cornea were also determined using a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer before and after 6-week instillations.Results: The mean Schirmer’s test score after instillation of DQS was twice higher than that recorded for saline alone. DQS significantly decreased corneal staining scores at 4- and 6-week instillations. No changes in touch thresholds were observed before and after 6-week instillations.Conclusion: These results suggest that DQS improves corneal epithelial damage by stimulating tear secretion without influencing corneal sensation in diabetic keratopathy. Thus, DQS may have potential for treatment of diabetic patients with dry eye.Keywords: diquafosol ophthalmic solution, corneal epithelial damage, tear volume, diabetic keratopathy, Goto–Kakizaki rat
