Treatment effects of Betamethasone on HD-induced corneal lesions of rabbits in acute phase

Introduction. Sulfur mustard(HD) is a chemical warfare agent to be used on a large scale. Sulfur mustard leads to a destructive inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber of eye. It have been shown that steroids intervene with inflammatory process in eye´s injuries.The aim of current research is to characterize effect of Betamethasone on HD-induced corneal lesions of rabbits after 14 days.Materials and Methods. This study is a experimental study. 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, Solution, HD and Betamethasone. In 4th group, Betamethasone was applied 10 minutes after HD exposure. Application of drug was performed 3 times a day, for 2 weeks. Clinical examinations were performed at 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 days by ophthalmologist. Animals were sacrificed after two weeks. Specimens of cornea, were prepared by histological and Immunohistochemistry techniques for light microscopic studies.Results. HD caused a significant decrease of thickness and numbers of corneal epithelial layers and proliferating cells in corneal epithelium, and corneal epithelial defect(CED).Severity of corneal injuries in Betamethasone group was less than HD group but there was statistical significant difference when comfered with control group.Conclusion. Result of this study showed that we can offered Betamethasone drope for decrease corneal epithelial defect following HD exposure. It is recommended to do more studies for determination effective dose of drug.