Corneal-conjunctival uptake of topical 3H-dexamethasone in the rabbit eye

Topically administered 3H-dexamethasone was localized radioautographically to the nuclei of several cell types in the cornea and conjunctiva. In the cornea, label was found in the epithelium and keratocytes. In the conjunctiva, label was found in the epithelium and in the connective tissue cells and blood vessel endothelial cells of the stroma. Prior administration of a 350-fold excess of nonlabeled hormone completely suppressed this localization, indicating that these cells are specific glucocorticoid target cells. There was no localization found in the corneal endothelium. Accumulation of silver grains between corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane suggests that this membrane acts as a partial barrier to diffusion of the steroid.