The effects of sub‐conjunctival EPO administration on ERG and on the peripheral blood haematocrit in animal model (rabbit)

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To assess the effects of subconjunctival EPO administration on retinal eletrophysiology and on the peripheral blood haematocrit. Methods New Zealand White rabbits (n=6) received 100 UI of EPO through the subconjuntival route. Blood for Complete Blood Count (CBC) was collected on day 0, on day 7 and on day 14 of the experimental protocol. Furthermore electroretinograms were performed on day 0 and on day 30 of the experiments. Results Regarding CBC changes, the haematocrit values changed from 35,42±2,7% on day 0 to 34,32±4,3% (p=0,390) on day 7 and to 34,45±4,4% on day 14 (p=0,931), showing no significant changes. Concerning the red blood cells (RBC x10000/µL) count, the values evolved from 6,02±0,48 on day 0 to 5,65±0,67 (p=0,074) on day 7 and to 5,67±0,74 (p=0,948) on day 14, showing no significant alterations. On the contrary, on what regards the electroretinograms, although there were no significant changes on a‐wave amplitudes, which evolved from 13,94±1,7 µV on day 0 to 13,67±0,8 µV on day 30 (p=0,844) and no significant differences on N1‐P1 amplitudes which changed from 46,60±4,5µV to 55,48±10,5 µV (p=0,438), there was a remarkable increase on b‐wave amplitude of 49%, changing from 46,60±7,43 µV to 94,97±13,36 µV (p=0,031). Conclusion On what concerns CBC profiles, subconjuntival EPO administration did not cause any sinificant changes on haematocrit or RBC values. Regarding electrorretinography, there were no significant changes on a‐wave or N1‐P1 amplitudes, but there was a marked increase in the b‐wave amplitude which tests for photoreceptor functionality, which might indicate a protective action against apoptosis of retinal photoreceptors even in physiological conditions.