advertisement
PURPOSE: To investigate free radical production in impression cytology specimens using microplate cold light cytofluorimetry. METHODS: 60 impression cytology specimens (IC) were harvested in 30 patients aged from 20-90 years. IC were taken in ten healthy subjects, ten glaucoma patients receiving long-term treatment for glaucoma and ten contact lens wearers for more than five years. A complete ophthalmological examination (BUT, corneal staining) was performed. Evaluation of free radical production was done using a dichlorofluoresceine diacetate (DCFH-DA) test for H sub(2)O sub(2) evaluation and a hydroethidine test for O sub (2) sup(-) measurement. RESULTS: The BUT values in the two pathological groups were significantly lower than those of controls (p<0.001). A free radical production was found in both contact lens wearers (p<0.001 compared to control values) and glaucoma patients (p<0.001 compared to control values). Both hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion productions were significantly correlated to the decrease of BUT values and the increase of superficial punctuate keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study confirm that conjunctival epithelial cells may abnormally produce oxygen free radicals in chronic ocular surface disorders. This may participate to the cellular alterations observed in inflammatory diseases of ocular surface. LA: French
Dr. C. Debbasch, Unite de Pharmaco-Toxicologie Cell., CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, 28, rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
11.1 General management, indication (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)