20% Alcohol Toxicity on Rabbit Corneal Epithelial Cells: Electron microscopic study.
- Author:
Tae Won HAHN
1
;
Young Woo LIM
;
Woo Jin SAH
Author Information
1. Apgujong St. Mary's Eye Center.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Alcohol;
Corneal epithelium;
Electron microscopy
- MeSH:
Cornea;
Epithelial Cells*;
Epithelium, Corneal;
Ethanol;
Intercellular Junctions;
Microscopy, Electron;
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission;
Microvilli;
Water
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2001;42(5):751-761
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To evaluate 20% ethanol toxicity on the rabbit corneal epithelium, ethanol-treated rabbit corneas were examined with electron microscopy. METHODS: Rabbit corneas(24 eyes) were treated with 20% ethanol for 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes by using LASEK(Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis) instruments, and washed with sterile water. Zero time, 1, 3, 5 days after ethanol treatment, corneas were excised and examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Widespread damage or disappearance of microvilli and local breaks of intercellular junction were observed. The changes were more severe in corneas with longer ethanol treament. In corneas with over 1 minute ethanol treatment, slough of superficial corneal epithelium was shown and increased with time. It was difficult to recognize microvilli or distinctive intercellular junction in corneas with 2 minute-treament. These pathologic changes persisted 5 days after ethanol-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, 30 seconds to 1 minute-ethanol treatment is recommended in corneal surgery to avoid severe, persisting damage of superficial corneal epithelium.
