New tools for the evaluation of toxic ocular surface changes in the rat.

摘要: PURPOSE. To assess the usefulness of noninvasive combined technologies used to observe ocular surface changes in toxicology studies. METHODS. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) at 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% was applied rat corneas for 11 days. The eye evaluated macroscopically from day (D)0 D52. cornea examined with slit lamp, a fluorescein test performed, confocal microscope vivo calculate corneal thickness, score epithelial endothelial defects, quantify stromal inflammation neovascularization. Conjunctival impression brush cytology specimens were taken labeling MUC-5AC antibodies sub-Gl peak analysis by flow cytometry, respectively. Histologic analyses performed on Dll. RESULTS. Although macroscopic lamp examinations revealed signs irritation 0.25% BAC-treated eyes only, microscopy defects 0.01% 0.1% corneas, showed increased apoptosis all BAC concentrations D8 induced loss goblet cells, reversible inflammation, persistent CONCLUSIONS. Sub-Gl conjunctival brushings, conjunction immunolabeling imprints, constitutes noninvasive, reliable, sensitive tool evaluate toxic druginduced damage rats, addition standard clinical assessments wide range concentrations, including lowest ones. This study is consistent international strategy aimed reducing use animals refining animal toxicologic models.