Lactoferrin protects against UV-B irradiation-induced corneal epithelial damage in rats

Purpose. Lactoferrin supplementation suppresses ultraviolet light B (UV-B)- induced oxidation of cultures of human corneal epithelial cells. To investi gate the protective effect of lactoferrin containing eyedrops against UV-B- induced corneal damage in vivo, we examined lactoferrin efficacy in a rat U V-B keratitis model. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated with >10 kJ/m(2) after anesthetization, and then corneal epithelial defect was obser ved at 24 h postirradiation. The pre- or postapplication of vehicle or lact oferrin-containing eyedrops was performed, and then corneal epithelial dama ge was scored based on fluorescein staining. Results, Posttreatment with la ctoferrin did not inhibit the extent of corneal damage and did not affect w ound healing. However, pretreatment by topical application of lactoferrin s uppressed development of a corneal epithelial defect induced by UV-B irradi ation in rats. Conclusion. These results suggest that the presence of lacto ferrin in human tear fluid may inhibit UV-induced corneal epithelial damage .