Modulation of immunogenic keratitis in rabbits by topical administration of inhibitors of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase.

Intrastromal injection with human serum albumin (HSA) in the rabbit cornea induced edema and a ring-shaped leukocyte infiltrate followed by neovascularization. The effect of topically administered lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors on this inflammatory keratitis was studied. The lipoxygenase inhibitors Bay 08276 and Rev 5901 and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor suprofen were given as 1% eye drops three times daily during the experiment. In eyes treated with lipoxygenase inhibitors leukocyte infiltration, neovascularization and edema formation decreased. In eyes treated with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor the period of neovascularization was slightly shortened and corneal edema decreased. No influence on leukocyte infiltration was seen.