Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, cilt.29, sa.6, ss.623-625, 1999 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study we investigated the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on tear secretion in rats. The animals were anesthetized intraperitoneally (ip) with urethane (1.2g/kg). The treatment was injected subcutaneously (s.c.). Tear samples were collected by folding a 5 mm section of a Schirmer strip over the lower lid margin to absorb tear fluid from the lower conjunctival sac for 5 min. Forty animals were divided into four groups (n=10). Group 1 (control) received 1ml of saline, group 2 received 60 mg/kg of ASA, group 3 received 50 mg/kg of Acetylcholine (Ach), and group 4 received 60 mg/kg of ASA and 30 min later 50 mg of Ach. While Ach alone significantly increased tear secretion. ASA reduced it when compared to saline (control) (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). Acetylsalicylic acid combined with Ach decreased tear secretion in comparison to Ach alone (p<0.001). In conclusion, ASA significantly inhibits Ach-stimulated tear secretion in rats.