Azathioprine and cytarabine applied topically prolong corneal graft survival in rabbits

Azathioprine and cytarabine applied topically as 0.1% solution in the grafted rabbit eye significantly prolong corneal allograft survival time. Mean corneal graft survival time was 61 +/- 27.76 days and 55 +/- 26.79 days in the group treated with azathioprine and cytarabine, respectively, while mean corneal graft survival time in the control group of rabbits with no immunosuppressive therapy was 19 +/- 4.47 days. After completion of the immunosuppressive treatment, the achieved azathioprine effect lasted longer than the cytarabine effect. Favourable azathioprine and cytarabine effects on corneal allograft survival in rabbits were obtained with no serious local and systemic side effects. Only moderate hyperemia of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva was recorded during the first days of treatment. No other side effects were observed.