Abstract
Purpose::
Acyclovir(ACV) ointment is the drug of choice for the treatment of herpes simplex keratitis. However, the ointment sometime causes irritation or discomfort. Therefore, ACV solutions were made and their effects of various concentrations were studied against herpes simplex keratitis in rabbits to decide a proper concentration for clinical use.
Methods::
Rabbits were anesthetized with intravenous injection of pentobarbital sodium. PH strain of herpes simplex virus(HSV) was inoculated in their eyes by the methd of microtrephination technique. In one group of 5 rabbits the right eyes were treated with either 0.3%, 1%, 2% or 3% ACV solution and the left eyes with the vehicle, or vice versa. The treatmet was started 48 hours after inoculation and continued hourly during the daytime 10 times a day for 4 days. The eyes were examined 48 hours after inoculation just before treatment and then every 24 hours with a photo-slit lamp after applying 1% Bengal-rose which stains corneal ulcers. Each inoculation site was scored 0 to 6 according to the severity of ulcers. The therapeutic effects were calculated by our scoring method. 3 % ACV ointment served as a positive control.
Results::
At 48 hours after HSV inoculation large dendritic ulcers at each site were seen in all eyes. These ulcers steadily developed and formed geographic ulcers in eyes treated with the vehicle. Eyes treated with ACV solutions showed less lesions. The effects of 2% and 3% ACV solution were the same as that of 3 % ACV ointment. Their effects were better than those of 0.3% and 1% solution.
Conclusions::
(1) ACV solutions showed excellent therapeutic effects against herpes simplex keratitis in rabbits. (2) 2% ACV solution seems to be a proper concentration for clinical use.
Keywords: herpes simplex virus • antiviral drugs • cornea: clinical science