Abstract
Purpose: :
: MMP inhibition has been established as a potent pathway for the prevention of posterior capsular opacification. We have evaluated the use of doxycyclin locally for the first time and EDTA as MMP inhibitors for prevention of posterior capsular opacification in a rabbit model
Methods: :
One eye of White New Zealand rabbits underwent phacoemulsification surgery for lens removal and was treated intracamerally into the capsular bag with EDTA @5mg/ml (n=6) and doxycyclin @ 1mg/ml (n=6), in the control group recieved normal saline (n=12) . The kinetics of the drug was evaluated by HPLC of the aqueous humor. The PCO formation was assessed by slit lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy. After one month the eyes were enucleated and PCO was evaluated by Miyake Apple view and histology and immunolocalization of MMP2. The degree of posterior capsular opacification was graded with a score of 0- 3. Toxicity of the drug on corneal endothelium was studied by histopathology and specular microscopy.
Results: :
The mean kinetic parameter for each drug was t1/2=17.335, AUC=102.01, MRT=22.74 for EDTA and t1/2=17.67, AUC=3464.44, MRT=20.545 for doxycyclin. EDTA was available in the aqueous for upto 72 hrs and doxycyclin for 96 hrs. The posterior capsule opacification was significantly reduced in EDTA and doxycyclin treated eyes in comparison to the control group. Histology and specular microscopy did not reveal toxicity of either drug on corneal endothelium.
Conclusions: :
Both EDTA and doxycyclin as MMP inhibitors successfully prevented posterior capsular opacification without causing endothelial toxicity. Further studies on electrophysiological changes of retinal function are warranted.
Keywords: cataract • cell adhesions/cell junctions • pathology: experimental