The relationship among corneal opacity and immunohistochemical expression of heat shock protein 72/73, and c-fos after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose. To determine the etiology of the corneal opacity, the author studied on inunnunohistochemical stain for HSP 72/73, c-fos after myopic excimer laser PRK. Methods. Myopic excimer laser PRK was operated on rabbit's cornea to correct -6,-9,-15 diopter of myopia. Comea opacity was examined and immunohistochemical stain was performed for Hsp72/73 and c-fos. Results. Corneal opacity was founded at density 0.83 (-6 group), l(-9 group), 1.67(-15 group) Sweek after operation. HSP 72 was expressed in corneal epithelium at the -15 group 24 hours after operation and maximal expression was obtained at 48 hours after operation. Hsp 73 was seen at all group in corneal epithelium and stroma. c-fos was seen in corneal epithelium at ohour after operation in all group. But maximal expression was seen at 24hour after operation in -IS group. Conclusion Corneal opacity was developed at -15D group with statistical significance. Corneal epithelial hyperplasia, increased number of stromal keratocytes, hsp 72 expression and c-fos expression could be significant factors for the corneal opacity.