The effect of KCNQ5 channel intervention on the development of form deprivation myopia in guinea pigs

Purpose: To investigate the effect of KCNQ5 on myopia and explore the mechanism by which potassium channel influence myopia in vivo. Methods: Animals were divided into five groups: normal control, form deprivation (FD), solvent control, FD + Retigabine and FD + XE991. The concentrations of the Retigabine administered were 100μM and 500μM, while those for XE991 were 20μM, 50μM and 100μM. Injections and biometric examinations were performed at predetermined intervals. The expression levels were evaluated using RT-PCR and Western Blot, and cell apoptosis was detected via TUNEL. Results: After four weeks, the progression of refraction and axial length in FD + Retigabine were significantly slowed down but accelerated in FD + XE991 compared to the FD. Statistically significant differences were observed between 50μM and 100μM. There was no significant difference in IOP among groups. The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ5 increased in FD + Retigabine but decreased significantly in doses of XE991 treatment when compared with FD controls. TUNEL staining indicated no significant differences in positive cell rates across all retinal layers. Conclusions: Intervention targeting KCNQ5 channels appears to modulate the development of FD myopia, suggesting that potassium channel may play a role in underlying mechanisms associated with myopia.