Effects of systemic administration of Chlorambucil and topical application of Cyclosporin A on corneal graft survival in rabbits.

The effects of topically administered Cyclosporin A (Sandoz, Switzerland) and of systemically administered Chlorambucil (Burroughs Wellcome, UK) (2 mg/kg per day) were studied for 6 weeks in 32 rabbits that underwent penetrating corneal graft in one eye, followed 2 weeks later by a skin graft from the donor animal. Nine rabbits were topically treated with 1% Cyclosporin A solution five times daily for 6 weeks. Of these, three eyes showed no rejection; four eyes Grade 1-2 rejection; one eye Grade 3 rejection; and one eye Grade 4 rejection. Of the seven eyes systemically treated with Chlorambucil, three eyes showed no rejection; three eyes Grade 1-2 rejection; and one eye Grade 3 rejection. No animal showed total rejection (Grade 4). The results indicate that both compounds have a beneficial effect on corneal grafts challenged by a second-set rejection.