Effect of diquafosol ophthalmic solution on airflow-induced ocular surface disorder in diabetic rats

Abstract

Purpose: 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 stimu-lating tear secretion without influencing corneal sensation in diabetic keratopathy. Thus, DQS may have potential for treatment of diabetic patients with dry eye.