J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1997 Oct;38(10):1729-1736.

Appearance of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Following Corneal Scratching Wound by Impression Cytology

• Kim JS
• Ko MK

Abstract

The linear scratching wound was made gently on the corneal epithelium of rabbit with 21 gauge needle under an operating microscope. Impression cytology was performed at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hour and 1, 2, 3 and 4 day after 0.5% tetracaine drops under an operating microscope. The filter paper was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. At 30 minute post-scratching, a few polymorphonuclear leukocytes appeared on the scratched cornea at 3 eyes (30%). At 3 and 4 hour, numerous polymorphonuclear leukocytes with corneal epithelial cells appeared on the scratched conea. By 3 day, no inflammatory cells were shown on the filter paper in all eyes. These findings suggest that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes could infiltrate on the corneal lesion at 30 minute post-scratching and the inflammatory cells might act even on the minute corneal lesion such as corneal erosion.

Keyword

Cornea; Impression cytology; Polymorphonuclear leukocyte; Scratching wound

MeSH Terms

Cornea
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Epithelial Cells
Epithelium, Corneal
Hematoxylin
Needles
Neutrophils*
Tetracaine
Wounds and Injuries*
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Hematoxylin
Tetracaine