Biomedical subjects

Cherie B Nau

Publications and source records attributed to Cherie B Nau.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Effects of glaucoma medications on corneal endothelium, keratocytes, and subbasal nerves among participants in the ocular hypertension treatment study.

PURPOSE: To compare subbasal corneal nerve and keratocyte density and endothelial characteristics of ocular hypertensive patients treated with medications or observation. METHODS: Participants in the Ocular Hypertensive Treatment Study (OHTS) randomized at Mayo Clinic to medication or observation were evaluated with specular microscopy annually for 6 years. Confocal microscopy was performed 78 to 108 months after enrollment. Subbasal nerve density was calculated by manual tracing and digital image analysis. Keratocyte density was determined by manual counting methods. Data were compared using a t test and a rank sum test. RESULTS: After 6 years, corneal endothelial cell density, percent hexagonal cells, and coefficient of variation of cell area for the observation (n = 21) and medication groups (n = 26) were similar (2415 +/- 300 vs. 2331 +/- 239 cells/mm; 63% +/- 11% vs. 65% +/- 10%; and 0.32 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.30 +/- 0.06, respectively). Of 38 participants undergoing confocal examination, the medication group (n = 19) had fewer nerves (3.8 +/- 2.1 vs. 5.9 +/- 2.0 nerves/frame; P = 0.02) and a lower nerve density (5643 +/- 2861 vs. 9314 +/- 3743 mum/mm; P = 0.007) than the observation patients (n = 10). An additional 9 patients in the observation group, who began medication before confocal scanning, had intermediate nerve densities. Full-thickness keratocyte density was similar, with 22,257 +/- 2419 and 23,430 +/- 3285 cell/mm in the observation and medication groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic administration of glaucoma medications causes a decrease in the number and density of corneal subbasal nerve fiber bundles but does not affect keratocyte density or corneal endothelial characteristics.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

PubMed2005

Keratocyte density: comparison of two confocal microscopes.

PURPOSE: The ConfoScan 3 clinical confocal microscope provides sharper images of cells in the stroma than the Tandem Scanning confocal microscope does. In this study, we compared volumetric densities of stromal cells determined from images recorded by these two instruments. METHODS: Fifty corneas of 25 normal subjects were examined by confocal microscopy, first by using a Tandem Scanning confocal microscope and then by using a ConfoScan 3 confocal microscope. Bright objects, assumed to represent keratocytes, were counted in a known area of two frames selected from the mid-stroma. The effective depth of the sample volume represented by each frame was estimated from the number of consecutive frames and the corresponding distance that selected cells were visible and countable during a scan. Density was the number of visible cells in the sample area divided by the effective sample volume. RESULTS: The effective focal depth of the Tandem Scanning microscope was 11.9 +/- 2.6 microm (mean +/- SD), and was 25.9 +/- 7.1 microm for the ConfoScan 3. Mean cell density at mid stroma was 23,013 +/- 4,420 cells/mm(3) with the Tandem Scanning microscope and 23,996 +/- 2,898 cells/mm(3) with the ConfoScan 3. This difference was not significant (P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: In normal corneas, the ConfoScan 3 and the Tandem Scanning confocal microscopes indicate stromal cell densities that are not significantly different from each other. Estimates of cell density from both instruments require an accurate estimate of the effective depth of the sample volume; this depth is approximately 2.2 times greater with the ConfoScan 3. This difference must be considered when comparing results from studies that use one instrument with results from studies that use the other.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of corneal endothelial cell images from a noncontact specular microscope and a scanning confocal microscope.

PURPOSE: We compared endothelial cell density (ECD) from images recorded by the ConfoScan 3 confocal microscope and a noncontact specular microscope. METHODS: Endothelial micrographs of 50 normal corneas of 25 subjects were acquired by a Konan Noncon Robo noncontact specular microscope (Konan Medical, Inc., Hyogo, Japan) and a ConfoScan 3 confocal microscope (Nidek Technologies, Inc, Greensboro, NC). ECD was determined in images from both instruments by using the HAI CAS System Corners Method (HAI Labs, Inc., Lexington, MA). Distances in the images from both machines were calibrated from images of an external scale. Images from the ConfoScan 3 were also assessed using the automated endothelial analysis software provided by the manufacturer, with and without manual correction. RESULTS: The ECD was 2634 +/- 186 cells/mm(2) (mean +/- SD) and 2664 +/- 173 cells/mm(2) by the Robo and ConfoScan 3 Corners methods, respectively. Differences between these 2 methods were not significant. When the automated analysis software was used, however, significant differences were found (P = 0.001). The uncorrected analysis program provided with the ConfoScan 3 indicated a higher ECD (2742 +/- 284 cells/mm(3)) than the Corners method did with images from the Robo and ConfoScan 3. The ECD from the manually corrected ConfoScan 3 method was 2716 +/- 229 cells/mm(3), not significantly different from the ConfoScan 3 Corners method but significantly different from the Robo Corners method. CONCLUSIONS: The ConfoScan 3 can be used interchangeably with the Robo when the Corners method is used to assess ECD and the magnification of both microscopes is calibrated with an external scale. If the proprietary software provided with the ConfoScan 3 is used, it should be manually corrected.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Corneal thickness measurement by confocal microscopy, ultrasound, and scanning slit methods.

PURPOSE: To measure corneal thickness by using a calibrated confocal microscope and to compare this measurement to thickness determined by ultrasonic and noncontact scanning slit pachymetry. DESIGN: Comparison of corneal thickness measured by using four instruments in normal subjects. METHODS: Thickness measured by a clinical confocal microscope (Tandem Scanning) was calibrated from measurements of polymethylmethacrylate contact lenses with known thickness. Corneal thickness was measured in one eye of 24 normal subjects by using this instrument, two ultrasonic pachymeters (DHG-1000 and Sonogage), and a noncontact optical scanning slit pachymeter (Orbscan II). RESULTS: Mean corneal thickness measured by confocal microscopy was 516 +/- 30 microm (+/-SD). This was less than the mean thickness measured by both ultrasonic pachymeters, 554 +/- 28 microm by the DGH, and 555 +/- 28 microm by the Sonogage (P <.001). Thickness measured by the Orbscan II pachymeter was 540 +/- 35 microm (P <.001, compared with either confocal or ultrasound) after applying an "acoustic factor" of 0.92, a default correction of the software. CONCLUSION: Corneal thickness measured by calibrated confocal microscopy is approximately 39 microm (7.0%) less than thickness measured by two commonly used ultrasonic pachymeters and approximately 24 microm (4.4%) less than thickness measured by the corrected Orbscan II pachymeter. These differences are important for planning and measuring the effects of refractive and other surgical procedures. The precision of confocal microscopy is limited by corneal motion in an anterior-posterior direction. The difference between instruments suggests that verification of clinical ultrasonic pachymeters should be revisited.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Long-term keratocyte deficits in the corneal stroma after LASIK.

PURPOSE: To determine changes in keratocyte density up to 3 years after LASIK. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen eyes of 11 patients received LASIK with a planned 180-microm flap to correct refractive errors between -2.0 diopters (D) and -11.0 D (mean, -6.56+/-2.44). METHODS: Corneas were examined by using confocal microscopy before LASIK and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after LASIK. Bright objects that resembled keratocyte nuclei were manually counted by a masked observer. Cell densities were determined in anterior and posterior halves of the stromal flap, anterior and posterior halves of the 100-microm-thick layer immediately behind the ablation (retroablation layer), and the posterior third of the stroma. The region of stroma that was ablated (as measured 1 month after LASIK) was omitted from preoperative analysis. Cell densities after LASIK were compared (using1-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance) with densities in the corresponding layer of the normal preoperative stroma (which served as its own control). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Corneal keratocyte density. RESULTS: Before LASIK, keratocyte densities in the anterior and posterior stromal flap and the anterior retroablation layer were 34 818+/-5108 cells/mm(3) (mean +/- SD), 25 390+/-4045 cells/mm(3), and 21 328+/-2980 cells/mm(3), respectively, and densities in these layers decreased 14% to 20% at 1 month after LASIK (P<0.001). Keratocyte densities in these layers remained stable at 3 and 6 months, and then gradually decreased further (P<0.001) to 26% to 36% below pre-LASIK densities by 3 years. Keratocyte densities in the remaining stromal layers did not change after LASIK. CONCLUSION: Keratocyte densities in the stromal flap and in the anterior retroablation layer decrease during the first 6 months after LASIK and then decrease further during the next 2.5 years. Further studies on these patients and others are warranted to confirm these findings and learn their significance.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost (Lumigan) in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. DESIGN: Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized, paired comparison crossover study of the effect of bimatoprost on aqueous humor dynamics. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Twenty-nine patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. METHODS: Bimatoprost and a placebo were administered once a day, in the evening, for 7 days before assessment of aqueous dynamics using tonometry, Schiötz tonography, and fluorophotometry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) response to water drinking was measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Aqueous humor flow rate, outflow facility, and IOP. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure was lowered 29% in the morning and 33% at noon by bimatoprost. Aqueous humor flow was unchanged. Tonographic facility of outflow was increased 47% by bimatoprost relative to the placebo. Assuming an extraocular pressure of 8 mmHg and that extraocular pressure is not altered by bimatoprost, the calculated rate of pressure-insensitive outflow was increased 95% by bimatoprost. During the first hour after water drinking, bimatoprost dampened the IOP rise. CONCLUSION: As was seen in healthy normal eyes, bimatoprost increased both the pressure-sensitive and the pressure-insensitive outflows of aqueous humor in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Bimatoprost had no significant effect on aqueous humor formation.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Effect of ibopamine on aqueous humor production in normotensive humans.

PURPOSE: Ibopamine is a prodrug of epinine (deoxyepinephrine) that exhibits activity at dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors. Topical ocular application has been shown to cause mydriasis without cycloplegia and to increase the rate of aqueous humor flow in normotensive human eyes. Mydriasis can interfere with the measurement of aqueous flow. In this study ibopamine's effect on aqueous humor production was measured while making allowance for the potential artifact caused by its mydriatic effect. METHODS: The effects of topical ibopamine on pupillary diameter, aqueous humor flow measured by fluorophotometry, and intraocular pressure were studied in 24 healthy, blue-eyed humans. Ibopamine was administered with and without the alpha-adrenergic antagonist dapiprazole, and its effects were compared with those of tropicamide, with and without dapiprazole in a double-masked, randomized, crossover design. RESULTS: Ibopamine dilated the pupil from a diameter of 3.7 +/- 0.64 (mean +/- SD, n=24) to 7.7 +/- 0.70 mm. Ibopamine, during its peak mydriasis, was associated with a very large increase in the rate of clearance of topically applied fluorescein from the cornea and anterior chamber, an effect that was not associated with tropicamide during its peak mydriasis. The mydriatic effect of ibopamine was completely blocked by dapiprazole, and the increase in fluorescein clearance was partially blocked. When mydriasis was blocked, ibopamine increased fluorescein clearance by 13% (P<0.0001), which was interpreted as an increased rate of aqueous humor production. Compared with placebo and with the tropicamide control, ibopamine decreased intraocular pressure, despite its stimulation of aqueous humor flow. CONCLUSIONS: Ibopamine is in a specific class of drug, along with pilocarpine, epinephrine, and bimatoprost that in humans increases the rate of aqueous humor flow as measured by fluorophotometry. This effect is partly responsible for its ability to increase intraocular pressure in persons suspected to have abnormally low aqueous humor outflow facility. The transient apparent doubling of aqueous humor flow, measured by fluorescein clearance after administration of ibopamine is an artifact of increased fluorescein clearance through the dilated pupil while accommodation is active.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed2002

Keratocyte density in keratoconus. A confocal microscopy study(a).

PURPOSE: To estimate keratocyte density in human corneas with keratoconus by confocal microscopy. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort study. METHODS: Twenty-nine unscarred corneas of 19 patients with keratoconus and 29 corneas of 19 controls matched for age (+/-3 years) and contact lens wear were examined by using confocal microscopy. Images were recorded from the full-thickness central cornea. A masked observer manually counted bright objects (keratocyte nuclei) in images without motion blur. Cell densities in anteroposterior stromal layers of keratoconus corneas were compared with densities in corresponding layers of control corneas. RESULTS: In keratoconus patients, age 40 +/- 15 years (mean +/- standard deviation), keratocyte density was 19% lower in those who wore contact lenses (16,894 +/- 4032 cell/mm(3), n = 12) than in those who did not wear contact lenses (20,827 +/- 4934 cell/mm(3), n = 17, P =.03). In control patients, age 39 +/- 16 years, there was no difference in keratocyte density between those who wore contact lenses (n = 12) and those who did not wear contact lenses (n = 17, P =.80). Among contact lens wearers, keratocyte density was 25% lower in keratoconus corneas (16,894 +/- 4, 032 cell/mm(3), n = 12 [9 = rigid gas-permeable lenses, 3 = soft lenses]) than in control corneas (22,579 +/- 2, 387 cell/mm(3), n = 12 [3 = rigid gas-permeable lenses, 9 = soft lenses], P =.002), the result of cell density being lower in the most anterior keratocyte layer (P =.001) and the layers between 0% to 10% (P <.001), 67% to 90% (P <.001), and 91% to 100% (P <.001) of stromal thickness. Among noncontact lens wearers, there was no difference in cell density between keratoconus and controls (P =.41). CONCLUSION: Keratocyte density is decreased in the anterior and posterior stroma of keratoconus patients who wear contact lenses.

Adult↗