Topical use of zinc desferrioxamine for corneal alkali injury in a rabbit model

• Published in: Cornea Vol. 17; no. 2; p. 191
• Main Authors: Siganos, C S, Frucht-Pery, J, Muallem, M S, Berenshtein, E, Naoumidi, I, Ever-Hadani, P, Pallikaris, I G, Siganos, D S, Chevion, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1998
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage; Burns, Chemical - drug therapy; Cornea - drug effects; Corneal Injuries; Corneal Ulcer - chemically induced; Corneal Ulcer - prevention & control; Deferoxamine - administration & dosage; Disease Models, Animal; Eye Burns - chemically induced; Eye Burns - drug therapy; Gentamicins - administration & dosage; Ophthalmic Solutions; Organometallic Compounds - administration & dosage; Rabbits; Random Allocation; Sodium Hydroxide
• ISSN: 0277-3740
• DOI: 10.1097/00003226-199803000-00013

To evaluate the efficacy of topical zinc desferrioxamine in acute corneal alkali injury in rabbits.
Twenty rabbits were anesthetized and a standardized alkali burn (1N NaOH) was performed in the center of the cornea (7.5-mm diameter). The animals were randomly divided into two groups and treated (double-masked) with topical zinc desferrioxamine, 220 microM, (group 1) or its vehicle (group 2). Drops were applied 7 times/day for 28 days. Topical gentamicin, 0.3%, was instilled twice a day. Animals were evaluated twice a week. At each examination (using the slit-lamp), the depth of corneal ulcer was graded as follows: 0, no ulcer; 1, tissue loss less than one third of corneal thickness; 2, one third to two thirds tissue loss; 3, more than two thirds tissue loss; 4, descemetocele; or 5, perforation. Ulceration area, vascularization, and epithelial defects also were measured.
During the study period, the grading of mean corneal ulcerations in group 1 ranged from 0.2 to 1.00, whereas in group 2, it ranged from 1.4 to 2.7. The mean grade and area of ulceration in group 2 were greater than those in group 1 (p < 0.05).
Topical zinc desferrioxamine may be an adjunctive treatment in protecting the cornea against induced alkali injury.