Electron microscopic observation of the corneal endothelial cells after injection of antibiotics into the anterior chamber
Nakaizumi, H.; Oishi, T.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 85(8): 1104-1112
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 7315638 Document Number: 172368
Intraocular administration of antibiotics for serious ocular infections will be used increasingly with the advance of intraocular surgery. The adverse effect to the ocular tissue must be considered. The morphological changes of the corneal endothelial cells after administration of gentamicin and amikacin into the anterior chamber were investigated. A 0.1 ml solution of 0.5% and 5% gentamicin sulfate and amikacin sulfate were injected into the anterior chamber of adult albino rabbits and the corneal endothelial cells were observed 24 h, 3, 7, 14 days and 1 mo. after injection by EM and 24 h, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after injection by light microscope. Cell damage was maximum on the 3rd day and the cells were repaired within 1 mo. A 5% solution of antibiotics caused more intense cell damage than 0.5% solution. The scanning EM findings showed changes of mosaic pattern with irregular cellular borders, abnormal shape of marginal folds and microvilli and partial rupture of the cellular surface. Transmission EM findings showed irregular microvilli, intercellular vacuole formation and cytoplasmic swelling. Endothelial cell damage caused by amikacin was milder than that by gentamicin. S-MA3 antibiotics solvent caused fewer endothelial cell changes than physiological saline. Dilation of the cellular border and 2- or 3-fold larger endothelial cells than normal were observed within 5 days of light microscope.