Aim: To demonstrate the efficacy of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 for corneal endothelial wound healing both in in vitro and in vivo models.
Methods: As an in vitro model, cultivated cynomolgus monkey corneal endothelial cells were scraped to create a linear defect. The wound distance was then determined during a 24-h culture in the presence or absence of 10 μM of Y-27632. As an in vivo model, central corneal endothelium of Japanese white rabbits was damaged by transcorneal freezing, then 10 mM of Y-27632 was applied topically six times daily for 48 h. The wound area of the corneal endothelium was evaluated after 48 h.
Results: The mean wound distance in the cultured corneal endothelial cells was significantly shorter in the Y-27632 group than in the control group. In the rabbit model, the mean wound area of the Y-27632 group was significantly smaller than that of the control group.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 promotes corneal endothelial wound healing both in in vitro and in vivo.