Purpose  To explore the inhibitive effects of doxycycline on allograft rejection in alkali burned cornea bed.  

Methods  BALB/c Mice’s corneas were injured by 1 mol/L NaOH solution. The C57BL/6 mice’ corneas were then transplanted into BALB/c Mice’ eyes which were randomly divided into three groups: group A, allogenic corneal transplantation; group B, tropical use of doxycycline after allogenic corneal transplantation; group C, syngenic corneal transplantation. Mouse corneal hemangiogenesis was examined by whole mount immunofluorescence and the state of corneal inflammation was evaluated by inflammation index (IF) scoring and histologic examination. The immune rejection of grafts was examined by a slit lamp. In addition, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-1β in transplanted corneas was examined by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry,and ELISA, respectively.

Results  In comparison with that of group B and C, the outgrowth of corneal blood vessels in group A was much faster. The IF scored highest in group A, middle in group B, and lowest in group C. Compared with group A, both proteins and mRNAs of VEGF and IL-1β decreased dramatically in group B ( all P-values<0.01). In addition, the mean survival time (MST) in group B (27.00±2.00 days) was significantly longer than that in group A (11.67±1.51 days) (P <0.05).

Conclusions  Doxycycline has a significant role in preventing corneal hemangiogenesis and inflammation in alkali burned corneal beds, which eventually results in a higher rate of allograft survival.