title: Effects of argon laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium of pigmented rabbit eyes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In Asian countries, laser iridotomy for the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma is a common cause of bullous keratopathy, which may be associated with a shallow anterior chamber and dark iris pigmentation in Asians. Several cases of corneal decompensation after argon laser iridotomy have been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the harmful effects of argon laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium.
  
  
  METHODS
  Argon laser iridotomy was performed on the right eyes of pigmented rabbits. Changes in corneal thickness and endothelial cell density after laser iridotomy were evaluated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed for assessment of corneal endothelial cell apoptosis. Combined staining with alizarin red and trypan blue, as well as a live/dead cell assay, were performed for evaluation of damage to the corneal endothelium induced by laser iridotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneal thickness did not change immediately after laser iridotomy; however, a significant increase was observed 24 hours after iridotomy (p = 0.001). The endothelial cell density of laser-treated eyes four days after laser iridotomy was significantly decreased compared with control eyes (p < 0.001). TUNEL staining showed many TUNEL-positive cells in the corneal endothelium and corneal stroma. No endothelial trypan blue-stained cell nuclei were observed after laser iridotomy; however, several large endothelial cells with damaged membrane integrity were observed. The live/dead cell assay clearly showed a large number of dead cells stained red in several areas throughout the entire corneal button 24 hours after iridotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Argon laser iridotomy induces corneal endothelial cell apoptosis in pigmented rabbit eyes, resulting in decreased endothelial cell density.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jie Hyun
authors: JH
authors: Youm
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jeong-Hwa
authors: JH
authors: Heo
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hyo Myung
authors: HM
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Jong-Suk
authors: JS
authors: Song
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits
keywords: Apoptosis; Argon laser iridotomy; Cornea; Corneal endothelium