Cornea-Derived Neutrophil Chemotactic Factors as Predictors of Corneal Inflammation

Abstract

Acute corneal inflammation, induced by a variety of insults, is characterized by corneal opacity, infiltration of neutrophils, redness, pain, and corneal cell injury. Using isolated bovine corneas, we tested the effects of six compounds (i.e., citric acid, 2-butanone, 1-butanol, propyl paraben, glycerin, and talc) on corneal opacity, release of neutrophil chemotactic factors (NCFs) from corneal tissues, and release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) from corneal cells. The epithelial surfaces of isolated bovine corneas were incubated with the six compounds for 30 min and washed three times with saline, and the corneas were reincubated with culture medium for an additional 6 h at 37°C. Corneal opacity was measured quantitatively using an opacitometer machine. The levels of NCFs were measured in the supernatant using modified Boyden chambers. Although the effects of the six compounds on corneal opacity and release of NCF from corneal tissues were quite consistent with the in vivo data, the release of LDH was not...