SUPPRESSION OF IMMUNE RESPONSE IN KERATOPLASTY

We compared the effectiveness of azathioprine and corticosteroids in suppressing the delayed hypersensitivity response of the sensitized albino rabbit to central and peripheral homologous penetrating corneal grafts and to central penetrating corneal heterografts. Azathioprine and prednisolone showed approximately equivalent immuno-suppressive activity and drug toxicity when used in a 2:1 dose ratio in comparable experimental studies. The combination of local deposteroid with a systemic immunosuppressant gave dramatic therapeutic results in all experimental models. The most effective time to begin systemic immunosuppressive therapy appeared to be immediately preceding or at the time of keratoplasty. Local corticosteroids alone were effective in controlling the less intense hypersensitivity responses of the late postoperative period. © 1969.