ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL EFFECTS OF CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE ON THE RABBIT CORNEA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of cetylpyridinium chloride on the trans‐corneal potential difference and the surface anatomy of the cornea have been examined. Concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride from 0.21 mM to 2 mM were used for either 1 or 2 minute exposure times on the in vitro and in vivo cornea for the electrophysiology studies. The potential difference of the in vitro cornea showed a concentration and exposure‐time dependent decrease, the in vivo cornea shows a qualitatively similar behaviour although quantitatively less. The fall in potential difference is preceeded by a hyperpolarization. The scanning electromicroscopy reveals a loss of microvilli and microplicae as well as surface pitting, with some exposure of cells underlying the superficial epithelium. These changes occur in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of cetylpyridinium chloride on the cornea is to enhance the permeability of the superficial cells by destroying the cell membranes and causing lysis of the cells.