BSS and BSS-plus: effect on corneal endothelial ionic and non-ionic fluxes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Physiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Corneal endothelial function is critical for maintaining corneal clarity.
• Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) and BSS-Plus are commonly used perfusion solutions in ocular research.
• Previous studies suggested BSS-Plus may offer superior morphologic preservation compared to BSS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the functional and permeability characteristics of rabbit corneas perfused with BSS versus BSS-Plus.
• To evaluate the impact of BSS and BSS-Plus on corneal endothelial physiologic function.
• To determine if morphologic changes are more sensitive indicators of endothelial stress than functional assays.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit corneas were perfused with either BSS or BSS-Plus for 3 hours in a controlled in-vitro setting.
• Sodium and bicarbonate fluxes across the corneal endothelium were measured.
• Permeability to inulin and dextran was assessed to evaluate barrier integrity.

Main Results:

• Sodium fluxes were comparable between corneas perfused with BSS and BSS-Plus.
• Bicarbonate fluxes in BSS-Plus were similar to those in Krebs-Ringer solution; they could not be measured in BSS.
• No significant differences in inulin or dextran permeability were observed between the two perfusion solutions.

Conclusions:

• BSS and BSS-Plus demonstrate comparable efficacy in maintaining corneal endothelial physiologic function during in-vitro perfusion.
• Functional parameters like ion fluxes and permeability may be less sensitive to endothelial stress than morphologic assessments.
• Morphologic alterations may serve as a more sensitive indicator of corneal endothelial stress compared to functional flux and permeability measurements.