The distribution of Mn2+ in rabbit eyes after topical administration for manganese-enhanced MRI.

Purpose: To analyze the distribution of Mn(2+) in rabbit eyes after topical administration of Mncl2 for manganese-enhanced MRI.

Methods: Forty-eight Chinese white rabbits were divided into three groups. In group 1 (n = 4), the baseline concentration of Mn(2+) in aqueous, vitreous and serum samples were analyzed. In group 2 and 3, the rabbits received one topical instillation (20 μL) of Mncl2 (1 mol • L(-1)). In group 2 (n = 40), aqueous, vitreous and serum samples were collected and analyzed at predetermined time points (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours postdose). Assays were performed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). In group 3 (n = 4), after topical administration of Mncl2, dynamic manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) was performed at predetermined time points. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated to evaluate the enhancements of eyes.

Results: After topical administration, the maximum concentrations of Mn(2+) in the aqueous and vitreous samples were 11.1641 ± 0.7202 (2 hours) and 1.5622 ± 0.1567 (12 hours). In group 3, the maximum enhancement of aqueous humor (SNR = 108.81 ± 10.65) appeared at 2 hours postdose, whereas, no significant changes were detected in vitreous.

Conclusion: Mn(2+) could distribute into aqueous humor rapidly after topical administration of Mncl2, whereas, the concentration of Mn(2+) in vitreous body fluctuated in a narrow range over the course. The uptake of Mn(2+) in retina may involve several different pathways.