[Experimental studies on the effect of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis inhibitors on epithelial regeneration of the cornea].

Total abrasion of the corneal epithelium was performed in New Zealand white rabbits; then the influence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was studied macro- and microscopically. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin had no influence on reepithelialization, but increased the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the epithelium and stroma. The lipoxygenase inhibitor Bay 08276 accelerated reepithelialization significantly by inhibiting the chemotaxis and degranulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. From our results it is possible to produce a flowchart on the pathophysiology of corneal regeneration, including the different mechanisms of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.