Effect of Ipratropium Inhalation on Pupil Dilatation in Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of inhaled ipratropium on pupil diameter when applied directly to the eye in a closed environment.Materials and Methods: A total of 14, 8-week-old and 350-g weight Sprague-Dawley rats were obtained from Yeditepe University Laboratory of Experimental Animals for research. At constant temperature (22 ºC±3 ºC) and 12-hour light/dark cycle, the rats had access to standard food and water. A total of 7 rats were exposed to ipratropium, whereas 7 rats were given saline nebular. Pupil diameters and pupillary-orbital diameter ratios were compared before and 2 hours after drug exposure.Pupil diameters and pupillary-orbital diameter ratios measured before and 2 hours after ipratropium inhalation were compared in the computer environment after 4288 × 2848 pixel magnification.Results: No significant difference was observed in the pupil/orbital diameter ratios in either right or left eyes after treatment compared to baseline values (p>0.05, for both). No significant difference was found in Delta rates. The numerical data fitted the normal distribution.Conclusion: In our study, no significant difference was determined in diameter changes that would advocate a more careful action in the case of anisocoria development in patients receiving ipropropium treatment and perform a detailed neurological examination and request neurology consultation as soon as possible. Anisocoria or changes in pupil diameters encountered in both pupils may not always be associated with drug use.