Lactoferrin protects against UV-B irradiation-induced corneal epithelial damage in rats.
OBJECTIVE
Lactoferrin supplementation suppresses ultraviolet light B (UV-B)-induced oxidation of cultures of human corneal epithelial cells. To investigate the protective effect of lactoferrin containing eyedrops against UV-B-induced corneal damage in vivo, we examined lactoferrin efficacy in a rat UV-B keratitis model.


METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated with >10 kJ/m2 after anesthetization, and then corneal epithelial defect was observed at 24 h postirradiation. The pre- or postapplication of vehicle or lactoferrin-containing eyedrops was performed, and then corneal epithelial damage was scored based on fluorescein staining.


RESULTS
Posttreatment with lactoferrin did not inhibit the extent of corneal damage and did not affect wound healing. However, pretreatment by topical application of lactoferrin suppressed development of a corneal epithelial defect induced by UV-B irradiation in rats.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the presence of lactoferrin in human tear fluid may inhibit UV-induced corneal epithelial damage.
Fujihara
T
T
Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Nara Research and Development Center, Ikoma-shi, Japan. fujiharat@santen.co.jp
Nagano
T
T
Endo
K
K
Nakamura
M
M
Nakata
K
K
D000818:Animals; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D007781:Lactoferrin