Effects of BNN27, a novel C17-spiroepoxy steroid derivative, on experimental retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death.

Retinal detachment (RD) leads to photoreceptor cell death secondary to the physical separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Intensifying photoreceptor survival in the detached retina could be remarkably favorable for many retinopathies in which RD can be seen. BNN27, a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable, C17-spiroepoxy derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has shown promising neuroprotective activity through interaction with nerve growth factor receptors, TrkA and p75.

Contact transcleral ciliary body photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in pigmented rabbits: effect of repeated treatments.

We studied the effect on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the ciliary body (CB) morphology after four consecutive contact transcleral photodynamic treatments of the ciliary body (CB-PDT) with verteporfin in pigmented rabbits. Twenty-two pigmented rabbits underwent CB-PDT (study group), performed once (six rabbits) or repeated for up to four times (16 rabbits). Six additional rabbits received only laser treatment without photosensitizer administration (control group).

Contact transscleral ciliary body photodynamic therapy in pigmented rabbits using verteporfin and diode laser: evaluation of treatment parameters.

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment parameters necessary for achieving ciliary body photodynamic damage, enough to significantly reduce IOP, using verteporfin and a diode laser.

Design: Animal study.

Methods: The right eye ciliary body of 30 pigmented rabbits was irradiated using verteporfin (Visudyne) and a diode laser.

Study of conjunctival goblet cell morphology and tear film stability in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Background: Tear secretion and tear film stability seem to be influenced by pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). Histopathological evaluation of conjunctival goblet cells in PEX patients might explain the influence on tear film stability.

Methods: In a prospective, cross-sectional study, 40 eyes of 40 patients with PEX (study group) had measurement of Schirmer test with anesthesia and break-up time prior to cataract surgery.

Epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis: a histopathologic study in human corneas.

Objective: To report the histopathologic findings in 4 human corneas that developed epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), at various postoperative intervals.

Methods: One specimen was obtained intraoperatively during treatment of epithelial ingrowth 2 months after LASIK (case 1). The other 3 corneal specimens were obtained after penetrating keratoplasty performed at 7 months (case 2), 20 months (case 3), and 5 years (CASE 4) after LASIK.