Lack of Corneal Toxicity of Interferon Alpha-2b Administered Subconjunctivally after Sclerectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the corneal toxicity of subconjunctival injection interferon α-2bat filtering bleb after sclerectomy in white rabbits.Methods: Eight rabbits which had been performed sclerectomy were randomlydivided into two groups. Each group consisted of four rabbits. Eight eyes in group 1were subconjunctivally received interferon α-2b 5 × 105IU/0. 2ml into filtering blebfrom the edge of the filtering site immediately after operation and every postoperativeday. The other eight eyes in group 2 were injected with 0. 2ml normal saline. All ofthe eyes underwent daily examination by slip-lamp microscopy and directophthalmoloscopy. Sodium fluorescein was used to assess corneal epithelial integrity.On day 3,4,7 and 14, every two rabbits (group 1 and 2 each, respectively) werekilled and removed cornea immediately to take examination of the viability of cornealendothelium by dual staining with typan blue and alizanin red S.Results: No sign of toxicity in corneal epithelium and endothelium were

Purpose: To evaluate the corneal toxicity of subconjunctival injection interferon α-2b at filtering bleb after sclerectomy in white rabbits. Methods: Eight rabbits which had been performed sclerectomy were randomly divided into two groups. Each group consisted of four rabbits. Eight eyes in group 1 were subconjunctivally received interferon α-2b 5 × 105IU/0. 2ml into filtering bleb from the edge of the filtering site immediately after operation and every postoperative day. The other eight eyes in group 2 were injected with 0. 2ml normal saline. All of the eyes underwent daily examination by slip-lamp microscopy and direct ophthalmoloscopy. Sodium fluorescein was used to assess corneal epithelial integrity. On day 3,4,7 and 14, every two rabbits (group 1 and 2 each, respectively) were killed and removed cornea immediately to take examination of the viability of corneal endothelium by dual staining with typan blue and alizanin red S. Results: No sign of toxicity in corneal epithelium and endothelium were found following continuously injection interferon α-2b at filtering bleb 3-14 days totally for selected doses. Conclusion: Subconjunctivally administered interferon a-2b at filtering bleb after glaucoma filtering surgery may be a safe drug-applied method. Eye Science 1997; 13 ; 35-37.