Antithrombotic effect of ticlopidine in an experimental model of retinal vein occlusion

Purpose: Ticlopidine inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and may be effective in patients with retinal vein occlusions (RVO). This study tests the efficacy of ticlopidine in an animal model of RVO. Methods: Rose bengal-mediated argon laser photothrombosis of retinal veins was created in rabbits pretreated with oral ticlopidine, aspirin, or saline. The number of laser spots necessary to produce a partial or complete RVO was recorded and tabulated. Results: Pretreatment with ticlopidine significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a partial (P = .02), or a complete (P = .002) RVO as compared to the control group. Pretreatment with ticlopidine significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a partial RVO (P = .02). Pretreatment with aspirin significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a complete RVO (P = .002). Conclusion: Ticlopidine may be a useful antiplatelet agent for the treatment of patients with RVO. Patients treated with ticlopidine should be monitored for the possible development of hematologic disorders. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2001;45:359-362 (C) 2001 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.