Effect of topical vitamin E on ethanol-induced corneal epithelial apoptosis.
OBJECTIVE
Ethanol is used to loosen the corneal epithelium before photoablation in laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). In this study, the apoptotic index of corneal epithelium after ethanol exposure and the effects of topical vitamin E were evaluated.


METHODS
The study was performed on 28 rabbit eyes in four groups. Group 1 comprised the controls. In group 2, 20% ethanol was applied topically for 20 seconds. In group 3, topical vitamin E was applied following 20% ethanol application. In group 4, only topical vitamin E was applied. Apoptosis was evaluated with TUNEL assay and transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Epithelial apoptosis was detected in all specimens in group 2. No apoptosis was detected in other groups except for one eye in group 1. The apoptotic index in group 2 was statistically higher than other groups (P < .001).
Bilgihan
Kamil
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. bilgihan@gazi.edu.tr
Konuk
Onur
O
Hondur
Ahmet
A
Akyürek
Nalan
N
Ozogul
Candan
C
Hasanreisoglu
Berati
B
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011817:Rabbits; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000975:Antioxidants; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014810:Vitamin E; D000431:Ethanol