Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents in rabbit heterolamellar corneal transplant model.

Bovine cornea (epithelium and stroma) was transplanted on to the rabbit cornea from which the epithelium and stroma had been removed. Conjuntival hyperemia and edema occurred from day 1-5 post-operation, followed by neovascularization and graft rejection within 7-10 days. Topical dexamethasone (0.1%) and prenisolone (1%) t.i.d. inhibited post-surgical hyperemia, edema, delayed hypersensitivity and neovascularization. These agents and the immunosuppressants (cyclosporin A and rapamycin) inhibited graft rejection observed up to 20 days. After cessation of treatment on the 20th day, grafts remained viable up to 35 days with dexamethasone, 10 days with prednisolone and rapamycin, and 5 days with cyclosporin A.