JIST

Abstract

Purpose: A study on the impact of carbon monoxide (CO) on eye and vision is still nascent especially in the area of vitreous chemistry. This study was therefore set out to evaluate the impact of CO on some serum and vitreous chemistry parameters. Method: A total of twenty rabbits were used for the study comprising equal age and weight-matched control and experimental groups. The experimental group was further divided into 10th day, 20th day and 30th CO intoxicated sub-groups. Vitreous and serum retinol, lipids, proteins, electrolytes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose and some oxidative stress markers were determined using WHO approved methods. One-way ANOVA (Post hoc-LSD) and Pearson correlational analysis were used for the data analysis. Results: The result showed a progressive significant decrease (p<0.05) in retinol, globulins and lipids concentrations in both serum and vitreous. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers were altered and electrolytes imbalances observed. Also detected was a significant increase (p<0.05) in LDH activity both in the serum and vitreous. Conclusions: In conclusion, the distortions observed in serum and vitreous chemistries are suggestive of the vulnerability of vision to exposure of consistent CO concentration. Therefore, regulatory measures should be advanced to reduce the concentration of CO in the environment.