The effects of topical benzalkonium chloride on the cornea of the experiment animals / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of the topical benzalkonium chloride on the cornea of experi-ment animals and evaluate the safety of topical benzalkonium chloride.Methods 36 rabbits were randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table,18 rabbits(36 eyes)in each group.The benzalkonium group was assigned as preservative benzalkonium chloride(0.05%)gutta,the control group was served as blank control. Rabbits were examined by the slit lamp,non-contact corneal endothelial microscope and Ultrasonic Wave instrument for corneal endothelial cell density and corneal thickness before and the 3rd weeks,the 6th weeks after the medica-tion.In vitro cornea was stained by typan blue and alizarin red,corneal endothelial cells were observed and calculate the viability of corneal endothelial cells (CECs).Results The differences of corneal thickness at the 3rd weeks and the 6th weeks were not statistically significant between the two groups(t =1.876,1.876,all P >0.05);The differ-ences of the corneal endothelial cell density and the viability of corneal endothelial cells(CECs)between the two groups at the 3rd weeks and the 6th weeks were not statistically significant(t =0.321,1.541,all P >0.05);The tear meniscus height of the benzalkonium group were lower than the control group at the 6th weeks[(142 ±36)μm vs. (198 ±31)μm,t =2.462,P <0.05].Conclusion Benzalkonium chloride has no impact on the corneal endothelial cells in short period,but the affection on the tear is obvious.