Topical Decorin Reduces Corneal Inflammation and Imparts Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Benzalkonium Chloride-induced Corneal Neuropathy

Abstract

PURPOSE. We evaluated the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of topical decorin in a murine model of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-induced corneal neuropathy. METHODS. Topical BAK (0.1%) was administered daily to both eyes of female C57BL/6J mice (n = 14) for 7 days. One group of mice received topical decorin (1.07 mg/mL) eye drops to one eye and saline (0.9%) to the contralateral eye; the other group received saline eye drops to both eyes. All eye drops were given three times daily over the experimental period. A control group (n = 8) received daily topical saline only, instead of BAK. Optical coherence tomography imaging was performed before (at day 0) and after (day 7) treatment t..