Prophylactic Effects of Betamethasone and Diclofenac-Na on HD-induced Corneal Epithelium of Rabbits in Acute Phase

Background and Eyes are among the most sensitive organs to chemical agents especially Sulfur mustard or Hun Distilled. Therapeutic effects of anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown on the decrease of epithelium of corneal injuries after being exposed to sulfur mustard. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of topically applied Bethametazone - Diclofenac Na in rabbits. In this experimental research, thirty six rabbits were used. Animals were randomly divided into six equal groups (6 rabbits in each group) including control, solution and mustard groups and prophylaxis groups included Betamethasone, Diclofenac Na; Betamethasone-Diclofenac Na were applied before being exposed to the sulfur mustard solution. Animals were kept for 2 weeks and the drugs were used 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Slit-lamp examinations were performed under anesthesia before exposure and subsequently at days 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 after sulfur mustard exposure by ophthalmologists. At the end of the 14th day, specimens of cornea were obtained for ultrastructural evaluation of corneal epithelium. Statistical analysis was performed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s test using SPSS 13 software. No significant differences were found between the control and solvent groups as far as the variables were concerned. Corneal epithelial defect and severe changes in ultrastructure of corneal epithelial surface was found in the sulfur mustard group. Clinically, corneal epithelial defect in prophylactic Diclofenac Na group (4.2±1.32) decreased significantly when compared to the mustard group (68.7±8.42) (P=0.034). Betamethasone-Diclofenac Na group (4.2±1.17) also decreased significantly when compared to the mustard group (68.7±8.42) (P=0.031). The corneal epithelial defect was not seen in prophylactic Betamethasone group. Ultrastructural damage of corneal epithelial surface and their microvillus in Betamethasone group was similar to the control group. Betamethazone is capable of protecting corneal epithelial defect in the eyes of rabbits exposed to sulfur mustard.