TOXICITY OF 1,8,9-TRIACETOXYANTHRACENE TO CORNEA IN RABBITS

(I) The effect of triacetoxyanthracene on the rabbit cornea has been investigated, and the drug has been found to be severely toxic, causing marked stromal oedema and epithelial thinning in low dilutions. (2) The results of histopathological studies of the corneal sections suggest that the main toxic action is exerted upon the epithelium and not the endothelium. This is substantiated by the permeability experiments. (3) It is suggested that measurement of the corneal thickness and permeability is a delicate and useful means of assessing the toxicity of drugs or cosmetics upon the cornea in laboratory animals. (4) Topical application of triacetoxyanthracene is suggested as a useful agent in the production of experimental corneal oedema and vascularization without the injection of foreign substances into the anterior chamber or corneal stroma. (5) The use of triacetoxyanthracene after hair shampoos seems to be contraindicated. Scrupulous care should be taken in washing the hands after applying the agent to any part of the body.