A-5021: a new acyclovir analogue inhibits murine herpetic keratitis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine the efficacy of A-5021, a new analogue of acyclovir, on murine herpetic keratitis.

METHODS:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (strain CHR3) was inoculated onto bilateral scarified BALB/c corneas. Clinical scores on the corneas treated with A-5021 eyedrops were compared with those obtained from the treatment with 3% acyclovir eye ointment by slit lamp microscopy. Virus titers of the trigeminal ganglia and eyeballs were quantitated on Vero cell monolayers. Mice treated with saline or a white petroleum jelly were used as controls.

RESULTS:

A-5021 eyedrops significantly suppressed both corneal epithelial and stromal lesions at all concentrations used. Clinical scores on the epithelium and stroma treated with 0.1% A-5021 were equivalent to those with 3% acyclovir treatment. When compared with the non-drug-treated control mice, virus titers in the eyeballs and trigeminal ganglia in A-5021- and acyclovir-treated mice were significantly less than those in controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

A-5021 eyedrops, which are easily applied onto the affected cornea, ameliorated clinical scores and suppressed virus growth. It is a promising alternative treatment of herpetic keratitis.

• Authors: Motoki Itahashi, Shiro Higaki, Daisuke Sugahara, Koji Sugioka, Tatsunori Deai, Kazumasa Takao, Kozaburo Hayashi, Yoshikazu Shimomura
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 27 Issue 3 Pg. 334-8 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 0277-3740 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18362663 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 9-((cis-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)cycloprop-1-yl)methyl)guanine
• Antiviral Agents
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Guanine
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Animals
• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology)
• Chlorocebus aethiops
• Disease Models, Animal
• Female
• Guanine (analogs & derivatives, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Herpesvirus 1, Human (drug effects, physiology)
• Keratitis, Herpetic (prevention & control, virology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Ophthalmic Solutions (pharmacology)
• Trigeminal Ganglion (virology)
• Vero Cells (virology)