A method for the in vitro determination of feline corneal endothelial permeability

Abstract

A mounting block for in vitro perfusion of the cat cornea is described. Using this apparatus and the techniques of Araie, the permeability (P^ac) of the normal cat corneal endothelium to carboxyfluorscein was determined to be 2.5 plusmn; 0.2 × 10^-4 cm/min. To assess the sensitivity of this technique in determining changes in P^ac associated with alterations in endothelial, morphology, three cats underwent 2 successive unilateral, central, 10 mm diameter circular areas of endothelial debridement 6 weeks apart. Six weeks following the second wounding all 3 animals underwent morphometric analysis and P^ac determination. A trend toward an elevation in P^ac with extreme reductions in cell density was observed.