Effect of Promin and Other Sulfones on Eye Leprosy

Histopathological Findings

Abstract

The following results were obtained in the treatment of leprosy, including 12 lepromatous and 2 nervosa, with promin and other sulf one drugs, investigating the histopathological findings of eyeball.15 eyeballs, the clinical findings of which had been known, were enucleated from four hours to twenty-one hours after death.
1) Lepra bacilli in eyeball were degenerated and reduced markedly. But, on a few cases the bacilli were latent in the cornea and sclera for a long time in spite of continual treatment.
2) Lepra cells were reduced in number to parallel in accordance with lesion absorption. In the iris, ciliary body, chorioidea and retina vacuole degeneration were seen markedly.
3) The leprous infiltration were observed atrophic, arround vessels of the subconjunctiva, episclera, iris and ciliary body. On a few cases, numerous lymphocytic infiltration were seen in the episclera, iris and ciliary body,
4) These processes were not specific only with the treatment of sulfones, but were seen with natural heeling or Chaulmoogra oil treatment, and there may be no essential difference between them.
5) The state of lepra bacillus and lepra cell on the eyeball is generally similar to those on the peripheral nerve and skin of the same individual.