The effects of kallidinogenase on choroidal blood flow in a hypertensive rabbit model

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of kallidinogenase on chorioretinal circulatory disorder, on the basis of chorioretinal blood flow and fundus findings, in a renal hypertensive rabbit model.In a renal hypertensive rabbit model produced according to Goldblatt's method, chorioretinal blood flow was continuously measured by noncontact laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Ophthalmography was conducted before and 30 minutes after drug administration.Measurement by LDF revealed 16% reduction in chorioretinal blood flow in the hypertension group compared with the control group. The administration of kallidinogenase dose-dependently increased chorioretinal blood flow in both groups, the hypertension group being more sensitive to kallidinogenase than the control group. In contrast, none of the controls (vinpocetine and DL-alpha-tocopherol nicotinate) exerted effects on chorioretinal blood flow in the hypertension group. Fundus examination demonstrated narrowing of the choroidal arterioles following an increase in blood pressure, and expansion of the arterioles following the administration of kallidinogenase.Kallidinogenase was shown to improve ophthalmic circulation by increasing chorioretinal blood flow in renal hypertensive rabbits.