J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1990 May;31(5):661-679.

Experimental Aconitine Optic Neuropathy

• Kim SD
• Kim SH

Abstract

Effects of aconitine on the retina and optic nerve were studied in rabbits by means of visual evoked potential(VEP), electroretinogram(ERG), and electron microscopy. Aconitine(0.4mg/kg) was administered intra peritoneally. The effects of aconitine were observed at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 3 months after injection, respectively. The amplitude of VEP was decreased significantly at 1 and 2 weeks after injection. However ERG b-wave, c-wave, and the latency of VEP were not significantly changed during the experimental periods. Histopathological changes in the optic nerve and visual streak were characterized by disorganization of the lamellar structures of the myelin sheath, diffuse mitochondrial swelling, and vacuolization in the myelinated nerve fibers, which were increased in degree with time. No perceptible change in the retina including retinal pigment epithelium was observed in the experimental periods. Schwann cells and unmyelinated nerve fibers appeared unaffected, except for mild swelling of mitochondria. Above mentioned electrophysiological and electron microscopic studies indicated that the effect of aconitine on the rabbit eye was toxic myelo-optic neuropathy.

Keyword

aconitine; optic nerve; visual evokeg potential; myelin sheath; toxic layelo-optic neuropathy

MeSH Terms

Aconitine*
Microscopy, Electron
Mitochondria
Mitochondrial Swelling
Myelin Sheath
Nerve Fibers, Myelinated
Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated
Optic Nerve
Optic Nerve Diseases*
Rabbits
Retina
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Schwann Cells
Aconitine