Correction of Experimental Hypertensive Neuroretinopathy with Semax

Abstract

Currently, the search for ways of specific pharmacological correction of hypertensive retinal changes is of great interest. The objective of this research is to study the correction possibility of retinal injuries with semax in the simulation of hypertensive neuroretinopathy in Wistar rats. This model was performed by daily injection of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg within 28 days and a single increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) to 110 mmHg for 5 min. The retinoprotective effect of semax at a dose of 72 μg/kg, in comparison with picamilon at a dose of 30 mg/kg, was estimated by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and electroretinography (ERG). The use of semax led to increase in the retinal microcirculation level to 671.7 ± 22.1 perfusion units (p < 0.05, in comparison with the group with picamilon). In the group with semax, the b/a coefficient increased reliably by 14.6% (p < 0.05) in comparison with the group with picamilon. Thus, semax can be a promising agent in hypertensive neuroretinopathy treatment.