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A model for steroid effects in herpes keratitis.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|September 1, 1975
Summary
Topical steroids enhance the transfer of large molecules, like herpes simplex virus, through the cornea in vivo. This suggests steroids may worsen viral eye infections by increasing pathogen penetration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Corneal permeability to large molecules is crucial for drug delivery and understanding disease mechanisms.
- Steroids are commonly used in ophthalmology but their effects on corneal barrier function require detailed investigation.
- Herpes simplex virus keratitis is a significant cause of vision loss, and the role of adjunctive therapies like steroids is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of topical steroids on the corneal transfer of large molecules.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which steroids affect corneal permeability.
- To provide insights into the potential risks of steroid use in viral keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Dextran-Blue 2000 as a model for large molecule transport across the cornea.
- Compared corneal permeability in vivo (superficially scarified corneas) and in vitro.
- Administered topical steroids to assess their effect on Dextran-Blue 2000 penetration.
Main Results:
- Topical steroids significantly increased Dextran-Blue 2000 transfer through superficially scarified corneas in vivo.
- Steroids demonstrated minimal effect on Dextran-Blue 2000 transfer in vitro.
- The observed in vivo effect suggests an active, rather than passive, mechanism of steroid action.
Conclusions:
- Steroid-induced enhancement of corneal permeability to large molecules is an active process.
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism for steroid-induced exacerbation of herpes simplex virus keratitis.
- Caution is advised when using topical steroids in patients with viral eye infections due to increased pathogen transfer.