The effect of alkali burn on corneal glutathione peroxidase activities in rabbits

Aim: Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an important corneal defense enzyme for protecting against hydrogen peroxides and lipid peroxides. In the present study, corneal GPx activities after alkali burn of the cornea were evaluated in rabbits.Materials and methods: Corneal alkali burn was created in the right eye of 10 rabbits by applying a 6 mm round filter paper soaked in 1 N NaOH onto the central cornea for 60 s. The right eyes of 10 healthy rabbits served as controls. The corneal GPx activities were determined by the method of Paglia and Valentina, 10 days after the burn.Results: GPx activities were reduced significantly in alkali burned corneas compared to the normal controls (P 0.05).Conclusion: The data suggest that decreased GPx activities predispose the cornea to injury from reactive oxygen radicals, besides the initial chemical damage of alkali burn.