Author/Editor | Cvenkel, Barbara; Ihan, Alojz | |
Title | Ocular surface changes induced by topical antiglaucoma monotherapy | |
Type | članek | |
Source | Ophthalmologica | |
Vol. and No. | Letnik 216 | |
Publication year | 2002 | |
Volume | str. 175-9 | |
Language | eng | |
Abstract | Purpose: To investigate the expression of inflammatory markers HLA-DR in impression cytology specimens from patients receiving topical antiglaucoma monotherapy. Methods: Impression cytology specimens were obtained from patients taking no topical medication (n = 13) and from primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive patients taking one topical medication for at least 3 months (latanoprost n = 14; betaxolol n = 12; timolol n = 14). None of the patients had any signs of ocular surface inflammation as detected by slit-lamp examination, a normal Schirmer's test and tear breakup time. The expression of HLA-DR on epithelial cells and T lymphocytes was analysed by flow cytometry. Results: A significant increase in HLA-DR on epithelial cells in patients on monotherapy was detected (latanoprost p < 0.05; betaxolol p < 0.01; timolol p < 0.01). Although the duration of treatment differed significantly between individual groups, there was no significant correlation between the length of monotherapy and the expression of inflammatory markers by epithelial cells and T lymphocytes. In the latanoprost group, the increased expression of HLA-DR was associated with a shorter duration of treatment. Conclusions: The flow-cytometric results indicate that administration of a single topical medication preserved with benzalkonium chloride, irrespective of type, for 3 months or more induced a significant degree of subclinical inflammation detected as increased expression of HLA-DR on conjunctival epithelial cells. | |
Descriptors | GLAUCOMA, OPEN-ANGLE CONJUNCTIVITIS CONJUNCTIVA ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS SEX FACTORS AGE FACTORS OCULAR HYPERTENSION OPHTHALMIC SOLUTIONS PROSTAGLANDINS F, SYNTHETIC T-LYMPHOCYTES TIMOLOL HLA-DR ANTIGENS FLOW CYTOMETRY BETAXOLOL ADMINISTRATION, TOPICAL |