Survival of corneal allografts following topical treatment with the immunomodulator mycophenolate mofetil.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the prophylaxis of corneal graft rejection in an experimental keratoplasty model.

Methods: A total of 12 female Lewis rats received 3.5-mm MHC I/II-incompatible corneal grafts from DA donors. Recipients were randomly assigned to receive either topical MMF + beta-cyclodextrin therapy (1%), beta-cyclodextrin therapy alone or to remain untreated. Therapy was applied every 2 h (over 24 h) during the first 3 postoperative days, then twice hourly during daytime. Grafts were graded every day based on a rejection score including the parameters transplant clarity and edema.

Results: The mean survival time (MST) of the grafts in the MMF-treated group was 12 days, the MST in the vehicle-treated group was 14.3 days and the MST in the untreated group was 13.3 days. So, the survival curves of the 3 treatment groups did not differ significantly.

Conclusion: Topical MMF is ineffective for prophylaxis of corneal graft rejection.