Analysis of Bimatoprost-Induced changes on Rabbits eyelash Follicle: Clinical and Electron microscopic study
Khulood Muhammad Sayed1, Engy Mohammed Mostafa1, Amr Mounir1
1The Department of Ophthalmology, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
Objective:
To analyze ultrastructural changes of rabbits' eyelash follicles treated with bimatoprost eye drops to increase our knowledge of how this drug works.
Methods:
The study included 15 clinically healthy male rabbits. All rabbits were treated with bimatoprost 0.03% daily for 4 weeks with one drop of the topical eye drops applied to the conjunctival fornix of the right eyes; left eyes were used as controls. Eyelash lengths were measured before and after treatment. The eyelid of each animal was dissected for light and electron microscopic analysis.
Results:
Both control and treated rabbit eyes matched regarding eyelash length before treatment (9.80±0.388mm vs 9.88±0.24mm) (P=0.108). There was a significant increase in eyelash length between control (9.75±0.33 mm) and treated rabbit eyes (11.60±0.46 mm) (P=0.369). Light and electron microscopy revealed, bimatoprost treated eyes had thick epidermis. The dermis contained two hairs growing out of the same hair follicle. Heavily keratinized Henle's layer, the cortical cells (Cx) have prominent nucleolus and cytoplasm is studded with melanin granules.
Conclusion:
Bimatoprost-induced eyelash changes were not restricted to increased eyelash length, thickness, and pigmentation but also showed increased number of eyelashes within the same hair follicle which were stronger and could resist pulling from the skin without any evidence of inflammatory cells within the specimens. These changes occurred as early as 1 month of treatment, giving rise to thoughts about the possibility of using bimatoprost eye drops as a prophylaxis against madarosis associated with chemotherapy if it is started 1 month before chemotherapy and continued afterwards, making eyelashes stronger and resistant to falling out.
Insights
Bimatoprost eye drops significantly increase eyelash length and thickness in rabbits. Ultrastructural analysis revealed more hairs per follicle and enhanced pigmentation, suggesting potential prophylactic use against chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to treat glaucoma.
- Its cosmetic effect of eyelash growth is well-documented.
- The precise mechanism of bimatoprost on eyelash follicles requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in rabbit eyelash follicles following topical bimatoprost application.
- To understand the cellular and histological mechanisms behind bimatoprost-induced eyelash enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Clinically healthy male rabbits (n=15) received daily topical bimatoprost (0.03%) in one eye for 4 weeks, with the contralateral eye serving as a control.
- Eyelash length was measured pre- and post-treatment.
- Eyelid tissues were analyzed using light and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Bimatoprost treatment significantly increased eyelash length compared to controls (11.60±0.46 mm vs. 9.75±0.33 mm).
- Histological examination revealed thickened epidermis and the presence of multiple (two) hairs emerging from a single follicle in treated eyes.
- Electron microscopy showed prominent nucleoli and melanin granules within cortical cells (Cx) and a heavily keratinized Henle's layer.
Conclusions:
- Bimatoprost induces not only increased eyelash length, thickness, and pigmentation but also a higher density of stronger, more robust eyelashes.
- These changes, observed within one month, suggest bimatoprost's potential as a prophylactic agent against chemotherapy-induced madarosis (eyelash loss).
- Further research is warranted to explore bimatoprost's role in preventing chemotherapy-related eyelash shedding.
