Survival of corneal allografts following topical treatment with the immunomodulator mycophenolate mofetil.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the prophylaxis of corneal graft rejection in an experimental keratoplasty model.

METHODS

A total of 12 female Lewis rats received 3.5-mm MHC I/II-incompatible corneal grafts from DA donors. Recipients were randomly assigned to receive either topical MMF + beta-cyclodextrin therapy (1%), beta-cyclodextrin therapy alone or to remain untreated. Therapy was applied every 2 h (over 24 h) during the first 3 postoperative days, then twice hourly during daytime. Grafts were graded every day based on a rejection score including the parameters transplant clarity and edema.

RESULTS

The mean survival time (MST) of the grafts in the MMF-treated group was 12 days, the MST in the vehicle-treated group was 14.3 days and the MST in the untreated group was 13.3 days. So, the survival curves of the 3 treatment groups did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

Topical MMF is ineffective for prophylaxis of corneal graft rejection.