Analysis of the effect of calcium ions on promoting the penetrability of riboflavin into the corneal stroma by iontophoresis
- Resource Type
- Original Paper
- Authors
- Li, Na; Fan, Zhengjun; Peng, Xiujun
- Source
- International Ophthalmology: The International Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. 44(1)
- Subject
- Calcium ions
Riboflavin
Iontophoresis
Cornea
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1573-2630
Purpose: To investigate the effect of calcium ions on promoting the penetrability of riboflavin into the corneal stroma by iontophoresis and to analyse the possible mechanism.Methods: Forty rabbits were divided into five groups randomly: 0.1% riboflavin-balanced salt solution (BSS) by iontophoresis group, 0.1% riboflavin–saline solution by iontophoresis group, 0.1% riboflavin–zinc gluconate solution by iontophoresis group, 0.1% riboflavin–calcium gluconate solution by iontophoresis group and classical riboflavin instillation after corneal de-epithelialization as the control group. The riboflavin concentrations in corneal stroma were determined and compared by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after removing epithelium and endothelium.Results: Iontophoretic delivery of a 0.1% riboflavin–calcium gluconate solution was the closest to the effect of classical de-epithelialization. The other solvents were unsufficient at enhancing the permeability of the riboflavin.Conclusion: Calcium ions can promote the penetrability of riboflavin into the corneal stroma by iontophoresis.