Observation of Cyclosporin A: Sustained Release Intraocular Lens Implantation in Rabbit Eyes

Abstract

Purpose

To observe the performance of cyclosporine A (CsA)-loaded intraocular lens (IOLs) implanted into rabbit eyes.

Methods

To prepare a PLGA-based CsA-sustained release IOLs and study the in vitro drug release. Forty-two New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into three groups, and all right eyes underwent phacoemulsification. In group A, a common polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs was implanted, while polylactide-glycoli acid (PLGA-loaded)-PMMA-IOLs was implanted in group B, and CsA-PLGA-PMMA-IOLs was implanted in group C. All experimental eyes were examined by slit-lamp microscopy. In addition, fundoscopy and the number of corneal endothelial cells, anterior chamber flare grading, and the number of aqueous humor cells were assessed at different time points post-surgery. The wet lens capsule was weighed and histological examination was performed 6 months post-operation.

Results

In the early post-operative period, the inflammatory reaction of anterior chamber in groups A and B were more severe than group C. The initial appearance of PCO in group C was much later than the other two groups (F = 68.91; p = 0.000), and PCO grade in group C was much lower than the other two groups (χ² = 36.07; p = 0.000). The mean weights of wet lens capsules in groups A and B were significantly heavier than group C (F = 134.88; p = 0.00). Histological observation showed no obvious toxic reaction in the intraocular tissues of the CsA-PLGA-PMMA-IOLs group, and the proliferation and accumulation of lens epithelial cells in groups A and B were greater than in group C.

Conclusion

CsA-sustained release IOLs can effectively prevent PCO in rabbit eyes without defined intraocular toxicity.

Keywords:

• Lens epithelial cells
• sustained release
• drug modification
• proliferation
• posterior capsule

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author F T. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project.