[Quantifying the damage to conjunctival and corneal cell cultures caused by uv light using CASY (Cell Analysis System). A method for reducing animal experiments].

BACKGROUND: By depletion of stratospheric ozone, enhanced levels of UV radiation reach the surface of the earth. Exposure of the anterior parts of the eye to UV radiation leads to irritation of the conjunctival and corneal cells.
METHOD: By the CASY (cell analysis) system the influence of UV radiation on cultures of conjunctival and corneal cells was observed by determination of the cell counts, cell diameter, and the cell volume.
RESULTS: By comparing these parameters with the control, damage of the conjunctival and corneal cells by UV radiation can be determined within 2 s of exposure of the cells in quartz glass vials to the UV light.
CONCLUSION: By the CASY system the dramatic influence of UV radiation on cells of the anterior parts of the eye can be determined. This system enables objective statements on the cytotoxicity of radiation, chemical substances and drugs on cell cultures without the use of radioactive methods, complicated determination of cell metabolism or staining methods which are difficult to standardize. Also, studies on animals can be reduced by the CASY system.