Benzalkonium Chloride-Induced Corneal Epithelial Injury in Rabbit Reduced by Rebamipide.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a widely used preservative in ophthalmic solutions.
• BAK can cause significant corneal epithelial toxicity.
• Protecting the corneal epithelium from preservative-induced damage is crucial for ocular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effect of rebamipide ophthalmic solution against BAK-induced corneal epithelial injury.
• To quantify the reduction in corneal damage using objective measures.

Main Methods:

• New Zealand white rabbits were used to assess corneal epithelial damage.
• Corneal resistance (CR) and fluorescein (FL) staining were employed to quantify injury.
• Rebamipide or saline was instilled before exposure to BAK or latanoprost with BAK.

Main Results:

• Rebamipide significantly increased corneal resistance (CR) by 18.3% in the BAK group and 25.6% in the latanoprost with BAK group compared to saline controls.
• Fluorescein staining results corroborated CR findings, indicating reduced epithelial damage with rebamipide.
• The severity of corneal epithelial damage (A2D2) was notably lower in eyes treated with rebamipide.

Conclusions:

• Rebamipide ophthalmic solution demonstrates a significant protective effect against corneal epithelial injury induced by benzalkonium chloride.
• Rebamipide can mitigate the toxic effects of BAK, a common ophthalmic preservative.
• These findings suggest rebamipide as a potential therapeutic agent for managing preservative-induced ocular surface damage.