Systemic tetracycline treatment of alkali-induced corneal ulceration in rabbits

J. A. Seedor, H. D. Perry, T. F. McNamara, L. M. Golub, D. F. Buxton and D. S. Guthrie

Recent evidence has demonstrated a marked anticollagenolytic effect for the tetracycline antibiotics. We have examined the efficacy of systemic tetracycline hydrochloride in a rabbit model of corneal ulceration. A standard alkali burn (1N sodium hydroxide for 40 s) was delivered to 62 eyes (31 rabbits). Animals were then divided into three groups: group 1 (controls) (ten rabbits [20 eyes]) received no treatment; group 2 (ten rabbits [20 eyes]) received 10 mg/kg/d of tetracycline hydrochloride, given intramuscularly; and group 3 (11 rabbits [22 eyes]) received 50 mg/kg/d. Ulceration occurred in 85% (17/20) of control eyes. The higher dosage of tetracycline was more effective in preventing ulceration than the lower dosage (9.1% vs 55%). Eyes with higher levels of tetracycline in ocular tissues were less likely to ulcerate.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Temporary Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Patch for Acute Alkaline Burns
Kheirkhah et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 2008;126:1059-1066.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Doxycycline Inhibits TGF-{beta}1-Induced MMP-9 via Smad and MAPK Pathways in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Kim et al.
IOVS 2005;46:840-848.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Regulated Expression of Collagenases MMP-1, -8, and -13 and Stromelysins MMP-3, -10, and -11 by Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Li et al.
IOVS 2003;44:2928-2936.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Failure of amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of acute ocular burns
Joseph et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2001;85:1065-1069.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT