PREVENTION OF STROMAL ULCERATION IN THE ALKALI-BURNED RABBIT CORNEA BY GLUED-ON CONTACT-LENS - EVIDENCE FOR THE ROLE OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES IN COLLAGEN DEGRADATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 18  (6) , 570-587
Abstract
Stromal ulceration of the alkali-burned rabbit cornea was invariably associated with phagocytically active polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). A glued-on methylmethacrylate lens applied to corneas soon after burning, however, prevented re-epithelialization and also prevented PMN infiltration of the stroma and stromal ulceration. Subsequent partial detachment or complete removal of the lens resulted in epithelial resurfacing of the stroma, PMN infiltration and stromal ulceration. Glued-on lenses applied to already ulcerating corneas arrested further ulceration by prohibiting additional PMN infiltration. Either surface debridement or glued-on methylmethacrylate rings also prevented re-epithelialization and ulceration in stromas not infiltrated by PMN, but neither treatment was sufficient to prevent ulceration in corneas already containing numerous PMN. The epithelium may stimulate infiltration of the stroma by PMN which then participate in stromal matrix degradation. Although no claim is made that only PMN mediate matrix destruction in corneal ulceration, the efficacy of the lens would seem to be due to exclusion of the epithelium and the consequent prevention of stromal infiltration by PMN.