Maria Avaria

Publications

• 1.50

  Impact points

  Myotonic dystrophy in a female with myasthenia gravis.

  María de los Angeles Avaria, Karin Kleinsteuber, Fernando Novoa, Paola Faundez, Pilar Carvallo

  Pediatric neurology. 07/2007; 36(6):421-3.

  The likelihood of coexistence in the same patient of myasthenia gravis and myotonic dystrophy has been estimated at 1 in 40 million. The case of a patient in whom both diagnoses were made is reported here. A 13-year-old girl was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis because of weakness, fluctuating fatig... [more] The likelihood of coexistence in the same patient of myasthenia gravis and myotonic dystrophy has been estimated at 1 in 40 million. The case of a patient in whom both diagnoses were made is reported here. A 13-year-old girl was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis because of weakness, fluctuating fatigability, and mild difficulty with chewing and swallowing. She had ptosis, with weakness predominantly of her face, arms, and neck. Serum antibodies against acetylcholine receptors were 9.9 nmol/L. She was started on pyridostigmine, with significant clinical improvement, reassuming normal daily activities. Two years later, generalized weakness reappeared and reappraisal of her symptomatology disclosed tongue percussion and hand action myotonia. Molecular genetic analysis disclosed 550 repeats of cytosine-thymidine-guanosine triplets on the DMPK gene. Undiagnosed relatives had expansions ranging from 110 to 1000 repeats. Myotonic dystrophy is considered the most common muscular dystrophy, with highly variable clinical manifestations; mildly affected individuals may escape clinical detection. Myasthenia gravis has an estimated prevalence of 15 per 100,000. No studies on the epidemiology of these diseases have been done in Chile. Although both diseases have specific clinical and laboratory presentations, they share some features in the mode of presentation that may generate difficulty in diagnosis of both entities in the same patient.
• 4.02

  Impact points

  Peripheral nerve conduction abnormalities in children exposed to alcohol in utero.

  Mara de los Angeles Avaria, James L Mills, Karin Kleinsteuber, Sofia Aros, Mary R Conley, Christopher Cox, Mark Klebanoff, Fernando Cassorla

  The Journal of pediatrics. 03/2004; 144(3):338-43.

  OBJECTIVE: We performed a longitudinal study of nerve conduction velocity to determine the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the peripheral nervous system.Study design We studied 17 children exposed to >2 oz of absolute alcohol/day prenatally and 13 unexposed children, identified prospective... [more] OBJECTIVE: We performed a longitudinal study of nerve conduction velocity to determine the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the peripheral nervous system.Study design We studied 17 children exposed to >2 oz of absolute alcohol/day prenatally and 13 unexposed children, identified prospectively from a cohort of pregnant women screened during prenatal care. Nerve conduction assessment was done on the median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial nerves during the newborn period and between 12 and 14 months of age. RESULTS: At both assessments the alcohol-exposed subjects had significantly slower ulnar motor nerve velocity (P=.007), smaller proximal (P=.018) and distal amplitude (P=.051). They also showed reduced tibial nerve velocity (P=.06) and a decrease in distal amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with abnormalities in nerve electrical properties, and that the pattern is different from that seen in adults. Electrophysiologic abnormalities in peripheral nerves should be added to the problems found in children of alcohol abusing mothers.
• 0.49

  Impact points

  [Post exercise myalgias as presentation form of dystrophinopathy]

  K Kleinsteuber, P Rocco, L Herrera, M Vainzof, M E Birke, M Yáñez, A Flandes, M Zatz, P de Carvallo, M A Avaria

  Revista médica de Chile. 08/2000; 128(7):772-7.

  Cramps and myalgias are frequent presentations of many disorders whose diagnosis is generally difficult. Among the unusual causes stand the milder phenotypes of dystrophinopathies, which are caused, just as Duchenne and Becker's dystrophy, by mutations in the dystrophin gene. An 8 year-old boy p... [more] Cramps and myalgias are frequent presentations of many disorders whose diagnosis is generally difficult. Among the unusual causes stand the milder phenotypes of dystrophinopathies, which are caused, just as Duchenne and Becker's dystrophy, by mutations in the dystrophin gene. An 8 year-old boy presented severe muscle pain on exercise and serum rise in creatine kinase over 1000 U/l. He had normal muscle power and mild calf hypertrophy. The molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the dystrophin gene showed deletions of exons 45 to 51. Dystrophin analysis by Western blot revealed a dystrophin of reduced quantity and molecular weight. Emphasis is made to include dystrophinopathies in the differential diagnosis of myalgias and the usefulness of molecular genetic techniques in the identification of these disorders.
• 0.49

  Impact points

  [Delayed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Chile]

  M de los Angeles Avaria, K Kleinsteuber, L Herrera, P Carvallo

  Revista médica de Chile. 02/1999; 127(1):65-70.

  BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most frequent neuromuscular disease in children. AIM: To determine the causes of delayed diagnosis of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 61 children diagnosed as Duchenne progressive muscular dystrophy were analyzed. RESULTS: the... [more] BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most frequent neuromuscular disease in children. AIM: To determine the causes of delayed diagnosis of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 61 children diagnosed as Duchenne progressive muscular dystrophy were analyzed. RESULTS: the first symptoms of the disease were noticed at a mean age of 1.5 years. Parents consulted at the mean age of 3 years, but the accurate diagnosis was made at a mean age of 5.7 years. In only 15% of children, the disease was diagnosed in the first four years of age. Less than 20% of children were referred for an adequate study and the rest were managed mainly as flat feet. CONCLUSIONS: Duchenne dystrophy is the most common neuromuscular disorder in children, with an incidence of 1 in 3679 male newborns. The lack of recognition of non specific symptoms such as retardation in independent walking and frequent falls as forms of presentation, is probably the most important cause of diagnostic delay. Strong recommendation is made to measure creatinphosphokinase and to study every male child that is not walking independently by the age of 18 months.

• Myotonic dystrophy: relative sensitivity of symptoms signs and abnormal investigations.

  M Avaria, V Patterson

  The Ulster medical journal. 11/1994; 63(2):151-4.

  Twenty-five symptoms, signs, and abnormal investigations were looked for in 20 patients with clinically-definite myotonic dystrophy. Weakness of facial muscles, neck flexors, and arm external rotators was found in all patients (sensitivity = 100%). Arm external rotation has not been reported as a fr... [more] Twenty-five symptoms, signs, and abnormal investigations were looked for in 20 patients with clinically-definite myotonic dystrophy. Weakness of facial muscles, neck flexors, and arm external rotators was found in all patients (sensitivity = 100%). Arm external rotation has not been reported as a frequently involved muscle in previous clinical studies on myotonic dystrophy. Careful examination of muscle strength may therefore predict which patients may or may not carry the abnormal gene for myotonic dystrophy.
• 0.49

  Impact points

  [Hypothyroid myopathy. Communication of 4 cases]

  R Téllez, P Arriagada, M A Avaria, P Jalil, G González, F Vergara, P Michaud

  Revista médica de Chile. 02/1994; 122(1):75-81.

  We report four patients with primary hypothyroidism (3 female, aged 47, 46, 49 and 34 years old) whose principal manifestation was muscle involvement. The diagnosis was oriented by the finding of myoedema and a slow relaxation phase of tendon reflexes. In one patient, an electromyographic and histol... [more] We report four patients with primary hypothyroidism (3 female, aged 47, 46, 49 and 34 years old) whose principal manifestation was muscle involvement. The diagnosis was oriented by the finding of myoedema and a slow relaxation phase of tendon reflexes. In one patient, an electromyographic and histological study was performed. Thyroid substitution lead to an improvement in myopathy in all patients.
• 6.47

  Impact points

  Dominantly inherited tubular aggregate myopathy.

  C H Cameron, I V Allen, V Patterson, M A Avaria

  The Journal of pathology. 01/1993; 168(4):397-403.

  We report an unusual familial myopathy characterized morphologically by the presence of large tubular aggregates in all fibre types. Two patients, a father and daughter, presented with slowly progressive proximal weakness, limitation of eye movement, and Achilles tendon contractures. Serum creatine ... [more] We report an unusual familial myopathy characterized morphologically by the presence of large tubular aggregates in all fibre types. Two patients, a father and daughter, presented with slowly progressive proximal weakness, limitation of eye movement, and Achilles tendon contractures. Serum creatine kinase was 5-10 times normal. Light microscopy revealed type I fibre predominance. Basophilic accumulations, which stained intensely with the NADH-TR reaction, were present in both fibre types. Electron microscopy revealed that these consisted of tightly packed parallel tubular arrays. These varied somewhat in their ultrastructural appearance and were classified accordingly as type I, II, and III tubular structures. The tubular aggregates appear to be derived from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This report further supports the evidence of a distinct clinico-pathological entity of genetic origin.

• Quantitative determination of the melanin contents in ocular tissues from human blue and brown eyes.

  I A Menon, D C Wakeham, S D Persad, M Avaria, G E Trope, P K Basu

  Journal of ocular pharmacology. 02/1992; 8(1):35-42.

  This paper deals with our findings on the quantities of melanin in the tissues from blue and brown eyes. The amount of melanin in the iris, ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid was separately determined. The results are expressed as the amount of melanin in mg tissue as well as the am... [more] This paper deals with our findings on the quantities of melanin in the tissues from blue and brown eyes. The amount of melanin in the iris, ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid was separately determined. The results are expressed as the amount of melanin in mg tissue as well as the amount of melanin in the whole tissue. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the melanin content of the iris in blue and brown eyes. However the ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid from brown eyes had more melanin than the corresponding tissues from blue eyes. Blue and brown eyes with higher colour intensity had more melanin than the corresponding eyes with lesser intensity of colour. It is suggested that the differences between brown and blue eyes in their melanin content may have relevance to the pharmacokinetics of drugs that bind to melanin. This would mean that the larger amounts of melanin would decrease the initial levels of the drugs and would increase the drug levels after prolonged periods.

• Continuous flow contact lens delivery of gentamicin to rabbit cornea and aqueous humor.

  D S Rootman, R P Willoughby, R Bindlish, M Avaria, P K Basu, M Krajden

  Journal of ocular pharmacology. 02/1992; 8(4):317-23.

  The Morgan Therapeutic Lens (MTL) was investigated as a continuous corneal perfusion system in New Zealand white rabbits. Gentamicin concentration in the cornea and aqueous humor delivered by the MTL was compared to gentamicin drops (13.6 mg/ml) administered every 15 or 30 minutes. Gentamicin (1 mg/... [more] The Morgan Therapeutic Lens (MTL) was investigated as a continuous corneal perfusion system in New Zealand white rabbits. Gentamicin concentration in the cornea and aqueous humor delivered by the MTL was compared to gentamicin drops (13.6 mg/ml) administered every 15 or 30 minutes. Gentamicin (1 mg/ml) or 5 mg/ml was perfused at 10 ml/hr for up to 4.0 hours. At each time interval of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours, homogenized corneas and aqueous humour were assayed for gentamicin concentrations. The highest aqueous humour gentamicin concentrations of 57.99 +/- 12.86 micrograms/ml were significantly higher with the MTL and 5 mg/ml of gentamicin compared with the MTL and 1 mg/ml of gentamicin or than drops applied every 30 minutes, but not significantly different than drops every 15 minutes. Highest corneal concentrations of gentamicin of 496.04 +/- 101.16 micrograms/gm cornea were significantly higher with MTL and 5 mg/ml of gentamicin compared with the MTL and 1 mg/ml gentamicin or than drops applied every 30 minutes, but not significantly different than drops every 15 minutes. All mean gentamicin concentrations attained via the MTL exceeded the mean inhibitory concentration for most sensitive bacterial species. The MTL is a reliable drug delivery system with distinct advantages, and may be a useful therapeutic modality in the ocular delivery of gentamicin and other drugs.

• Bio-effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (60 Hz.) on the healing of corneal epithelial wound: an in vitro study.

  P K Basu, I A Menon, M Chipman, M Avaria, S M Hasany, J D Wiltshire

  Lens and eye toxicity research. 02/1989; 6(1-2):43-58.

  The organ cultures of standardized epithelial wound of rabbit cornea, were exposed to electric and magnetic fields components of the extremely low frequency (60 Hz) sinusoidal electromagnetic field, separately or in combination. The electric field was applied as a pure electric current via an agar-s... [more] The organ cultures of standardized epithelial wound of rabbit cornea, were exposed to electric and magnetic fields components of the extremely low frequency (60 Hz) sinusoidal electromagnetic field, separately or in combination. The electric field was applied as a pure electric current via an agar-salt bridge, and the magnetic field component was applied as a pure polarized magnetic field by means of a pair of energized coils in a Helmholtz configuration. The two field components were at right angles to each other and in phase (phi = 0 degrees) when applied in combination. Their vectors or planes of polarization were parallel to the surface of the culture dish. The three exposure combinations used were: a) electric current density of 0.19 V/m (30 microA/cm2) and/or magnetic fields strength of 1.0 Gauss. (low intensity) b) electric current density of 0.31 V/m (50 microA/cm2) and/or magnetic fields strength of 1.5 Gauss. (medium intensity) c) electric current density of 0.57 V/m (90 microA/cm2) and/or magnetic fields strength of 2.5 Gauss. (high intensity). After 2 days of exposure the incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine into DNA of the regenerating epithelial cells was determined. Results showed thymidine incorporation (adjusted by regression for differences in the levels of DNA in corneal wound) (DNA*) depended upon the electromagnetic field strength. The only significant effect on this outcome, was an interaction effect between the electric (E) and magnetic (M) fields employed. The size and direction of this interaction depended strongly on the maximum field strengths. At the lowest level DNA* was significantly lower when both fields were present than would be expected from the effects of either field alone. At the highest level, DNA* was significantly higher. There were no significant effects for medium field strengths.
• 0.49

  Impact points

  [Chagasic granuloma of the brain in a patient with lymphoblastic leukemia]

  S Corona, C Amanales, M A Avaria, E Colin, S Donoso, P Advis, W Apt

  Revista médica de Chile. 08/1988; 116(7):676-80.

• Pharmacological studies on the in vivo cataractogenicity of acetaminophen in mice and rabbits.

  B M Lubek, M Avaria, P K Basu, P G Wells

  Fundamental and applied toxicology : official journal of the Society of Toxicology. 06/1988; 10(4):596-606.

  Acetaminophen can be enzymatically bioactivated, which may play a role in cataractogenesis. This study evaluated the relation of dose, sex, plasma drug concentration, cytochromes P-450 (P-450 and P-448) induction, and hepatocellular toxicity to cataractogenic susceptibility in inbred mice and rabbit... [more] Acetaminophen can be enzymatically bioactivated, which may play a role in cataractogenesis. This study evaluated the relation of dose, sex, plasma drug concentration, cytochromes P-450 (P-450 and P-448) induction, and hepatocellular toxicity to cataractogenic susceptibility in inbred mice and rabbits. C57BL/6 or DBA/2 mice, which respectively are genetically responsive and nonresponsive to P-448 induction, were treated with acetaminophen, 300 to 1000 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip), following pretreatment with the P-448 inducer 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC). Bilateral cataracts developed, independent of sex, in 83% of C57BL/6 mice within 4 hr of acetaminophen administration, compared with 7% of DBA/2 mice. A dose-response relation for cataractogenesis was evident in C57BL/6 mice using doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg, with the higher dose producing similar plasma acetaminophen concentrations but twofold higher glucuronide concentrations. Both strains had increased plasma concentrations of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT). New Zealand white or Chinchilla pigmented rabbits were treated with single or multiple doses of acetaminophen, 500 to 1500 mg/kg/day ip, following pretreatment with a cytochromes P-450 inducer: phenobarbital, 3-MC, or beta-naphthoflavone. Acetaminophen given chronically caused lenticular opacities within 1 week in 19 of 20 rabbits pretreated with P-450 inducers, regardless of pigmentation, but not in animals without prior P-450 induction. No opacities were observed after a single dose of acetaminophen, even with P-450 induction. There was no increase in plasma GPT in rabbits with any treatment. Over 85% of acetaminophen was recovered in urine as a glucuronide conjugate, and the rest as acetaminophen or conjugates with sulfate, cysteine, or N-acetylcysteine. Susceptibility to acetaminophen cataractogenesis can be genetically predetermined and may involve enzymatic bioactivation. possibly independent of hepatic biotransformation and toxicity.
• 2.92

  Impact points

  Is there any difference in the photobiological properties of melanins isolated from human blue and brown eyes?

  I A Menon, P K Basu, S Persad, M Avaria, C C Felix, B Kalyanaraman

  The British journal of ophthalmology. 08/1987; 71(7):549-52.

  Investigations were carried out to determine whether the melanin present in the blue and brown eyes were eumelanin, the melanin present in black hair and dark skin, or pheomelanin, the melanin present in red hair and the skin of people with red hair. Our results showed that UV-visible irradiation of... [more] Investigations were carried out to determine whether the melanin present in the blue and brown eyes were eumelanin, the melanin present in black hair and dark skin, or pheomelanin, the melanin present in red hair and the skin of people with red hair. Our results showed that UV-visible irradiation of blue or brown eye melanin did not produce any superoxide. Irradiation of 51Cr-labelled Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in the presence of blue or brown eye melanin did not produce significant cell lysis. The electron spin resonance (ESR) signals of blue and brown eye melanins were very similar to those of eumelanin. Comparison of these findings with our previous results indicated that the blue and brown eye melanins are essentially eumelanin. The ESR signals further suggested that in the case of both blue and brown eye melanins the iris, ciliary body, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium did not differ.
• 1.44

  Impact points

  Ocular distribution of methyprylon after intravenous injection and transfer of the drug to recipient eye via corneal graft.

  P K Basu, M Avaria, Y Matuk, F Carre, B M Kapur

  Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 09/1986; 21(5):162-6.

  The purpose of the study was to determine chronologically the ocular distribution of methyprylon (Noludar) after a single intravenous injection (45 mg/kg) to rabbits, if the drug can be transferred from a donor treated with the drug to the recipient's eye via an allogeneic corneal graft, and the... [more] The purpose of the study was to determine chronologically the ocular distribution of methyprylon (Noludar) after a single intravenous injection (45 mg/kg) to rabbits, if the drug can be transferred from a donor treated with the drug to the recipient's eye via an allogeneic corneal graft, and the effect of methyprylon on corneal cell growth and protein synthesis. Gas chromatographic techniques showed that the drug was present in all the tissues and fluids of the eye from 0.5 to 18 hours after the injection. Postoperatively, the cornea and some of the other ocular tissues of the recipient contained methyprylon at least 24 hours after transplantation. Clinically, the graft remained clear, and there was no adverse reaction in the recipient eye for an observation period of 24 hours. Tissue culture studies showed that about 10 times more methyprylon than was found in the donor cornea was necessary to produce a cytotoxic reaction on the corneal cells in terms of cellular growth rate and protein synthesis. Our animal experiments and cytotoxicity tests suggest that corneas of donors treated with a high dose of methyprylon would be suitable for use as grafts.
• 2.54

  Impact points

  Should corneas from donors receiving a high dose of salicylate be used as grafts: an animal experimentation.

  P K Basu, Y Matuk, B M Kapur, M Avaria, R Jankie, F Carré

  Experimental eye research. 11/1984; 39(4):393-400.

  Rabbits were injected intravenously with a single dose of sodium salicylate (350 mg kg-1) in order to study the following in vivo: (i) the distribution of the drug in the various eye tissues and fluids, particularly the cornea and aqueous humour, and (ii) transfer of the drug from corneal grafts obt... [more] Rabbits were injected intravenously with a single dose of sodium salicylate (350 mg kg-1) in order to study the following in vivo: (i) the distribution of the drug in the various eye tissues and fluids, particularly the cornea and aqueous humour, and (ii) transfer of the drug from corneal grafts obtained from donors receiving sodium salicylate to the eye tissues of the recipient. In additional experiments, the in vitro effects of sodium salicylate on the growth and protein synthesis of corneal cells grown in tissue culture were also studied. In vivo experiments showed that the periods during which we observed the highest concentration of salicylate in the serum and in the eye tissues were within 30 min and 2 hr respectively following the injection. These experiments also showed that salicylate was transferred from the treated donor via corneal graft to the recipient's eye tissues where it could still be detected 48 hr after the operation. In vitro experiments showed that a 50% inhibition of cell growth was obtained at a concentration of about 1000 micrograms salicylate ml-1 while protein synthesis was decreased by 50% at a concentration of about 200 micrograms ml-1. A consideration of our data from the in vivo and in vitro experiments together suggests that ingestion by the donor of high concentrations of salicylate may have the potentiality of subjecting the corneal endothelial cells to cytotoxic concentrations of the drug thus jeopardizing the success rate of corneal graft operations.

• [Nemaline myopathy in childhood. Presentation of a case]

  F Novoa, J Las Heras, M A Avaria, A Stuardo

  Boletín médico del Hospital Infantil de México. 06/1984; 41(5):294-7.
• 1.44

  Impact points

  Ocular distribution of sodium pentobarbital after injection of lethal and anesthetic doses and after transfer via corneal grafting.

  P K Basu, Y Matuk, B M Kapur, M Avaria, R Jankie, F Carré

  Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 05/1984; 19(3):126-9.

  The distribution of sodium pentobarbital in the eye after lethal and anesthetic doses and the possibility of the drug's transfer via corneal grafting were studied in rabbits. The drug was found in all the ocular tissues and humours following the intravenous injection of a single lethal (60 mg/kg... [more] The distribution of sodium pentobarbital in the eye after lethal and anesthetic doses and the possibility of the drug's transfer via corneal grafting were studied in rabbits. The drug was found in all the ocular tissues and humours following the intravenous injection of a single lethal (60 mg/kg) or anesthetic (30 mg/kg) dose, and it was still present 24 hours after the anesthetic injection. In both instances the largest quantity was found in the cornea. After grafting of corneal tissue containing pentobarbital the drug dispersed into the recipients' corneas and other ocular tissues. In-vitro studies showed that 250 micrograms of the drug per millilitre of incubation medium reduced the rate of growth of the corneal fibroblasts to 50%, and 300 micrograms/mL reduced their protein synthesis to 66%. Calculations showed that these concentrations could be reached in the cornea or the aqueous humour in vivo following either the lethal or the anesthetic injection of the drug.
• 1.44

  Impact points

  Ocular effects of water from acidic lakes: an experimental study.

  P K Basu, M Avaria, A Cutz, M Chipman

  Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 05/1984; 19(3):134-41.

  The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the effects on the conjunctiva and cornea of eyes exposed to water from acidic lakes in comparison with water from lakes having a nearly neutral pH. One eye each of 190 rabbits was exposed to an experimental sample of water having a pH of 5.18,... [more] The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the effects on the conjunctiva and cornea of eyes exposed to water from acidic lakes in comparison with water from lakes having a nearly neutral pH. One eye each of 190 rabbits was exposed to an experimental sample of water having a pH of 5.18, 5.04, 4.70 or 4.50. The other eye of each rabbit was simultaneously exposed to a control sample of water having a pH of 6.40 or 6.21. The water was continuously instilled for 15 minutes every day for 7 days. Observations were made daily. The two eyes of each rabbit were compared for conjunctival congestion, corneal staining with fluorescent dye, the granulocyte count and osmolarity of the tears, bacteriologic findings in conjunctival swabs, corneal cell damage, corneal thickness and ultrastructural features of the corneal epithelium. Although some of the rabbits showed a difference of reaction in the two eyes, the majority showed similar reactions to water from the acidic and nearly neutral lakes.
• 1.44

  Impact points

  Distribution of morphine in the eye tissues and fluids of rabbits after systemic administration and after transfer via corneal grafting.

  P K Basu, B M Kapur, Y Matuk, M Avaria, R Jankie, F Carre

  Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 09/1983; 18(5):241-5.

  To determine whether corneas from animals receiving morphine could be used for grafting, rabbits were given a single intravenous injection of tritium-labelled morphine and killed 10 minutes later. Of the drug entering the eye, 12% was found in the cornea, 36% in the retina and optic nerve, 29% in th... [more] To determine whether corneas from animals receiving morphine could be used for grafting, rabbits were given a single intravenous injection of tritium-labelled morphine and killed 10 minutes later. Of the drug entering the eye, 12% was found in the cornea, 36% in the retina and optic nerve, 29% in the uveal tissues, 8% in the aqueous humour, 8% in the choroid, 4% in the vitreous humour and 2% in the lens. Another group of rabbits then received full-thickness corneal grafts from rabbits treated with morphine. The grafts contained the drug for up to 21 days after transplantation. From the graft bed the agent dispersed into the different solid ocular tissues and intraocular fluids. None of the grafts failed, and none of the recipients' eyes showed any adverse reaction. In-vitro tests showed that the amount of morphine found in the cornea and the aqueous humour of the donor did not have any significant effect on cell division or protein synthesis of the corneal cells. Higher concentrations of the drug, however, decreased both cell division and protein synthesis.
• 1.44

  Impact points

  Ethanol concentrations in the eye.

  P K Basu, M Avaria, R Jankie, B M Kapur

  Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie. 07/1983; 18(4):206-7.