[Effects of iodine on experimental allergic conjunctivitis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the anti-allergic effect of iodine in an allergic conjunctivities model.


METHODS
Guinea pigs (n = 107) were administered iodine at three different concentrations in feed. Twenty Guinea pigs were passively sensitized by serum containing ovalbumin (OA) antibody, and eighteen Guinea pigs were actively sensitized by OA intraperitoneal injection. OA was dropped into the eye and the degree of chemosis was determined 15 minutes after challenge. Six hours later, eosinophils infiltrating the conjunctiva were counted, and iodine, histamine and triiodothyronine concentrations in blood were measured. In addition, platelet activating factor (PAF) was dropped into the eye of sixty non-sensitized Guinea pigs. Eosinophils infiltrating the conjunctiva were counted at 30 min, and 1, 2, and 4 hours later. Mast cells in the conjunctiva of nine other non-sensitized Guinea pigs were observed under an electron microscope to determine the effect of iodine on mast cells.


RESULTS
As the iodine concentration in blood increased, there was less chemosis, fewer eosinophils, and a lower histamine concentration in the blood. Eosinophilic infiltration induced by PAF was not inhibited. Granules showing a low-density area in mast cells were increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Iodine exerted an anti-allergic effect, thought to be mediated through mast cells rather than PAF.
Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.
Junichi
J
Mori
Michiharu
M
Ishizaki
Tadashi
T
Senoo
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007455:Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D007455:Iodine