Quantitative analysis by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and retinal neuroprotection after topical administration of moxonidine

AIM:To determine moxonidine in aqueous humor and iris-ciliary body by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC),and to evaluate the retinal neuroprotective effect after topical administration with moxonidine in a high intraocular pressure(IOP)model.METHODS:The eyes of albino rabbits were administered topically and ipsilaterally with 0.2%moxonidine.A RPHPLC method was employed for the identification and quantification of moxonidine between 2 and 480 min,which presented in the aqueous humor and iris-ciliary body.Flash electroretinography(F-ERG)amplitude and superoxide dismutase(SOD)level were measured between day 1 and day 15 after topical administration with moxonidine in a rabbit model of high IOP.Histological and ultrastructural observation underwent to analyze the changes of retinal morphology,the inner retinal layers(IRL)thickness,and retinal ganglion cell(RGC)counting.RESULTS:Moxonidine was detectable between 2 and 480 min after administration,and the peak concentration developed both in the two tissues at 30 min,0.51μg/m Lin aqueous humor and 1.03μg/g in iris-ciliary body.In comparison to control,F-ERG b-wave amplitude in moxonidine eyes were significantly differences between day 3 and day 15(P<0.01)in the high IOP model;SOD levels were significantly higher at all time-points(P<0.01)with a maximum level of 20.29 U/mgprot at day 15;and RGCs were significantly higher(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Moxonidine is a viable neuroprotective agent with application to high IOP model.All layers of retina,including RGC layer,retinal nerve fiber layer and INL,are more preserved after moxonidine administration.SOD plays a neuroprotective role in ocular hypertension-mediated RGC death.