Evaluation of Corneal Histopathologic Changes in Rabbits Due To Topical Mitomycin C Application in Different Doses and Periods

Purpose: To evaluate the histopathologic changes in the cornea due to topical mitomycin C (MMC) application at various doses and administration periods. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 35 albino rabbits with a mean age of 6 months. The animals were divided into the 7 groups, each comprising 10 eyes of five rabbits. Five rabbits were used as the control group. Other subjects were divided into the 2 groups according to the application period. The first 3 groups subsequently underwent 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/mL mitomycin C application 6 times at weekly intervals. Groups 4, 5 and 6 underwent MMC application at the same doses 12 times. The control group underwent topical physiologic serum application. After the last treatment, the rabbits were sacrificed and enucleation was performed. Results: Light and electron microscopic examinations of mitomycin C treated animals revealed different histopathologic changes in the corneal epithelium and endothelium according to various doses and administration periods. Discussion: Topical mitomycin C has toxic effects on the cornea related to dose and period and is known to be more toxic, especially in increased doses.. In this study, we identified the most effective dose without side effects. Long-term treatment with MMC at low doses is more advantageous than short-term treatment at high doses.