Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:450-453
( April )
A simple corneal perfusion chamber for drug penetration and
toxicity studies
M A Thiela, N Morletb, D Schulzc, H F Edelhauserd, J K Dartb, D J Costera, K A Williamsa
a Department of
Ophthalmology, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide,
Australia, b Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK, c Biomedical Engineering,
Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia, d Department
of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
Correspondence to: Dr K A Williams, Department of
Ophthalmology, Flinders University of South Australia, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
keryn.williams{at}flinders.edu.au
Accepted for publication 13 September 2000
AIMS
Corneal perfusion
chambers are important tools in the development and assessment of
ophthalmic drugs. The aim of this study was to design and test a
modified perfusion chamber suitable for topical application of drugs to
isolated corneoscleral preparations, and which allowed continuous
monitoring of endothelial cell function.
METHODSA
polycarbonate and stainless steel perfusion chamber was designed to
clamp corneas in a horizontal plane suitable for topical drug delivery.
Endothelial cell function was assessed by ultrasonic pachymetry and
specular microscopy during perfusion. Epithelial barrier function was
assessed by penetration of fluorescein. Leakage was examined by
measuring penetration of a large protein, IgG. Tissue architecture
after perfusion was examined by conventional histology.
RESULTSCorneas
maintained a functionally and morphologically intact endothelial
monolayer during perfusion periods of up to 14 hours. The epithelial
barrier function was well preserved. The tissue clamp sealed the
preparation effectively against leakage of macromolecules.
CONCLUSIONThe new
chamber device forms a reliable tool for in vitro drug penetration and
toxicity studies in isolated perfused corneoscleral tissue.
© 2001 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
