title: Hydrogen peroxide damage to human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Implications for contact lens disinfection systems.
abstract: We investigated the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide by exposing primary cell cultures of human corneal epithelium to a single dose of this agent at concentrations ranging from 30 to 100 ppm. Hydrogen peroxide, at a concentration as low as 30 ppm, caused cell retraction as well as cessation of cell movement and mitotic activity. Formation of membranous vesicles preceded cell death that occurred by 7 to 8 hours after exposure to 30 ppm. With a concentration of 50 ppm, normal cell activity ceased almost instantaneously. Numerous surface vesicles formed by 1.5 hours of exposure, and the cells died by 4 to 5 hours. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (70 to 100 ppm) caused cell death within a few minutes. Because neutralization of hydrogen peroxide and patient compliance are critical in the proper use of hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens disinfection systems, users will be well served if the long-term effects of residual peroxide on the cornea are subjected to continued study.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago, IL.
authors: B J
authors: BJ
authors: Tripathi
authors: R C
authors: RC
authors: Tripathi
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity*; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide