Cytotoxicity of Benzalkonium Chloride on the Corneal Epithelial Cell of Rabbit

ABSTRACT

Authors investigated the functional and morphological cytotoxicity of benzalkonium chloride(BAC) used clinically on the cultured corneal epithelial cell of rabbit in vitro. Corneal epithelial cells containing radioactive 51Cr were exposured for 5 minute, 10 minute, 30 minute and 60 minute to BAC 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and phosphated buffer solution(control). Cell injury assay was performed; % 51Cr released(cell lysis) and % cell detachment(cell dysfunction), and documentary photographs were taken with transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Epithelial cell lysis was severe at over BAC 0.05% after 5 minutes exposure, and cell dysfunction was severe at BAC 0.005% after 30 min exposure. The higher the concentration and the longer the duration of BAC exposure time, cell lysis and dysfunction of corneal epithelial cell were increased significantly(p<.05). In histological finding, the epithelial cell was injured with the disruption of plasma membrane, dialtated cistern form of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex at BAC 0.001% after 5 min exposure. The nuclear damage of epithelial cell appeared at BAC 0.01% after 30 minutes exposure or at BAC 0.1% after 10 minutes exposure. As results, the clinical dose of BAC, ranged from 0.004% to 0.002% should be induced a particulary toxic effect, we should be carefully use the BAC, especially when using frequently or using for long duration.