Effects of Loteprednol Etabonate and Ketorolac Tromethamine on Intraocular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress After Paracentesis-Induced Blood-Aqueous Barrier Breakdown in Cats

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of loteprednol etobonate (LE) and ketorolac tromethamine (KT) on pupil diameter (PD) and aqueous humor levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), total protein (TP), and glutathione (GSH) following paracentesis-induced intraocular inflammation in cats. Methods: Thirty cats (n = 10/group) underwent anterior chamber paracentesis at T1 and T2 (60 min apart). At T1, the right eye received one drop of LE, KT, or saline (CG). PD was measured at T1 and T2, and aqueous humor samples were analyzed for PGE2, TP, and GSH. Results: At T1, PD, PGE2, TP, and GSH levels did not differ among groups (p > 0.05). At T2, PGE2 concentrations were significantly lower in LE (p < 0.0001) and KT (p = 0.01) groups when compared to CG. When compared to CG, TP values were significantly lower only in the LE group (p = 0.002). GSH levels decreased significantly across all groups (p < 0.01), maintaining significantly higher levels in the LE group (p = 0.04). PD decreased significantly in the CG (p = 0.003) and KT (p = 0.01) groups, but not in the LE group (p = 0.18). Conclusions: LE and KT effectively reduced PGE2 levels following paracentesis. LE also significantly decreased TP levels, mitigated miosis, and preserved GSH, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Considering that KT also reduced PGE2 levels, further studies are warranted to determine whether KT might effectively reduce protein influx into the anterior chamber at later time points.