ObjectiveTo study the efficacy of immunosuppressant IL-1RA on the rat model of penetrating keratoplasty.MethodsCorneal transplantation were performed orthotopically from Lou rats to F344 rat's recipients.Animals were randomly assigned to the following groups:1.Control.2.CsA(3mg/kg/2d,subconjunctival injection).3.IL-1RA(0.5mg/kg/2d,subconjunctival injection).Treatment began at the 1st day postoperatively and continued until the 14th day postoperatively.Mean survival times and rejection index were determined.ResultsThe mean survival time of the control group was 12.235±1.674 days,but the mean survival time for CsA and IL-1RA were 17.676±1.528 days and 19.250±1.456 days,respectively,which was statistically significant compared with the control group(P<0.01).Vascularization index in IL-RA group was markedly lower when compared with the control and CsA groups(P<0.01).ConclusionIL-1RA can markedly prolong the survival time of corneal allografts by inhibiting graft rejection,and prevent vascular growth of corneal allografts