[Impressionable cytology method in diagnostics of dry eye syndrome.].

Analysis of the cellular composition of the eyeball conjunctival prints and evaluation of the informative of the cytomorphological method of research in the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome (DES). Cytological examination using impression cytology was performed in 72 patients: 60 patients with DES and 12 without eye disease (control group). The main component of cytological sample in patients with DES are (a) squamous epithelium (hyperkeratocytes); (b) groups and clusters of flattened epithelial cells; (c) a small amount (up to five in the preparation) of goblet cells.

Hypoxia as pathogenic factor affecting the eye tissues: The selective apoptotic damage of the conjunctiva and anterior epithelium of the cornea.

The effect of acute hypoxia on the occurrence of apoptosis in eye cells in rats placed in a pressure chamber was studied. Selective primary lesion of cells of the conjunctiva and the anterior corneal epithelium was found. A possible role of the simulated hypoxic conditions in the dry eye syndrome pathogenesis, which is accompanied by primary lesion of cells in the anterior eye surface tissues is discussed.

[Effect of paraaminobenzoic acid on interleukine-6 production in patients with herpetic keratitis].

The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) (actipol) on tear interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with herpetic keratitis and in peripheral blood cells of volunteers in vitro. Enzyme immunoassay was used to measure lacrimal fluid IL-6 levels in the actipol and acyclovir groups before and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7-8 days after therapy and after clinical recovery in 30 patients with herpetic keratitis. A control group comprised apparently healthy volunteers (n=13, 26 eyes) who used actipol instillations into the conjunctival sac 4-5 times a day.

[New biological properties of p-aminobenzoic acid].

p-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a cyclic amino acid, belongs to the vitamin B group, and is used as a protective drug against solar insolation and in diagnostic tests for the state of the gastrointestinal tract in medicine. We were the first to establish that PABA is an inducer of endogenous interferon and immunomodulator and displays a virucidal, synergistic antiviral effect when combined with chemical drugs and the properties of a direct anticoagulant. Based on these properties, we elaborated a new medicinal drug "Actipol" which was introduced in clinical practice.