Prevention of intraocular pressure elevation with oleuropein rich diet in rabbits, during the general anaesthesia

Background: Oleuropein is known to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. An important aim of anesthetic management in ocular surgery is to keep the intraocular pressure under control. Studies have researched a variety of prophylactic materials used to prevent increases in intraocular pressure. We aimed to research the effects of oleuropein on intraocular pressure (IOP) during general anaesthesia. Methods: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups of seven. The rabbits in Group O were given olive leaf extract (OLE) equivalent to a daily dose of 20 mg/kg oleuropein for 15 days. HPLC method used for oleuropein standardization. For anaesthesia induction 1 mg/kg rocuronium was given and after muscle relaxation all animals had a V-gel Rabbit inserted. Anesthetic maintenance was provided by 1 MAC isoflurane. Twenty minutes after rabbits were given 10 mg/kg ketamine, basal IOP values were measured. After the V-gel rabbit was inserted, in the 5th, 10th, 20th, 25th and 30th minutes measurements were repeated. Results: IOP data variation of OLE group was compared with control group and the measured levels were lower in Group O during the anaesthesia. IOP was 33.8 ± 4 mmHg in Group C and 24.1 ± 8 mmHg in Group O in 25th minute and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant at this time. Conclusion: We observed that consumption of prophylactic OLE had a reducing effect on IOP in the period before waking in anaesthesia. We believe it is necessary to investigate the effects of OLE on IOP in broad participation patient groups.