Investigation of in vivo genotoxic evaluation using detection of γH2AX following ocular instillation in rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate γH2AX as an in vivo genotoxic marker of ocular surface. The 0.5% doxorubicin solution was instilled once onto the eyes in male F344 rats, and immunohistochemical staining of the corneal epithelium was performed. As a result, γH2AX-positive corneal epithelial cells were observed at wide area similarly in the doxorubicin-treated and the negative control groups. Expression of γH2AX was constitutive and not increased under exposure of a genotoxicant. This implies a caution of utilizing γH2AX as a genotoxic marker on the ocular surface.