Antagonists and inhibitors of lipid mediators in experimental inflammation of the cornea.

In experimental immunogenic keratitis, provoked in rabbits by intracorneal injection of 20 microliters of human serum albumin (HSA), various anti-inflammatory agents were studied in their effects on corneal edema, neovascularisation and leukocyte infiltration. Prophylactic treatment with a corticosteroid completely prevented the occurrence of keratitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor partly prevented neovascularisation and corneal edema, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a leukotriene antagonist or platelet-activating factor (PAF)-antagonist BN 52021 partially prevented mainly leukocyte infiltration. Prophylactic topical treatment with the poly-unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and columbinic acid or a dietary supplement with fish oil showed less symptoms of keratitis in all respects.