PREVENTION OF IMMUNE GRAFT-REJECTION AFTER CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION

The effectiveness of fluorometholone was compared to dexamethasone phosphate and prednisolone acetate in preventing the immune corneal graft reaction in rabbits. Clear corneal grafts were obtained. Rejection was induced after skin from the corneal donor animal was grafted s.c. in the host animal and the animals were randomized into 4 treatment groups. Rejection occurred in 8 of 9 rabbits in the control group; 1 of 8 in the dexamethasone phosphate group; 1 of 8 in the fluorometholone group and 1 of 10 in the prednisolone acetate group. Histologic examination confirmed these findings. In this animal study fluorometholone prevented immune graft rejection in a percentage similar to that of prednisolone acetate and dexamethasone phosphate.