Effects of isopropyl unoprostone ophthalmic solution on cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells

Purpose: To investigate the effects of isopropyl unoprostone (referred to a s unoprostone) ophthalmic solution on the barrier function of cultured rabb it corneal epithelium grown on permeable supports. Methods: Rabbit corneal epithelial cells cultured on collagen-coated filter inserts were administer ed one of the following for 30 min: unoprostone in vehicle solution (polyso rbate 80), unoprostone in vehicle solution with a preservative (benzalkoniu m chloride), preservative only or vehicle only. For a control, no chemicals were added to the medium. After administration, the transepithelial electr ical resistance (TER) measurement, a sensitive method by which to investiga te the barrier function, and morphological observation using phase-contrast microscopy were performed before exposure and at 0.5, 1,3, 6, 12, 24, 48 a nd 72 h after exposure. The transmission electron-microscopic observation w as performed before and 72 h after exposure in all experimental conditions. Results: The cells exposed to unoprostone with the preservative showed a s ignificant decrease in the TER, although no morphological changes were obse rved. The corneal epithelial cells exposed to unoprostone without preservat ive, the vehicle only or the preservative only did not show any differences from the control group at any measurements. Conclusion: The corneal barrie r function is damaged by a combined solution of unoprostone and preservativ e, but not by a single solution of unoprostone, in vitro. Copyright (C) 200 1 S. Karger AG, Basel.