The effect of ouabain on the rabbit corneal endothelium.

With the method of in vitro incubation of the isolated rabbit cornea with the modified KEI medium, the effects of ouabain applied to the endothelial surface have been investigated. The change in corneal hydration with varying concentrations of ouabain was determined; one-half maximum rate of corneal swelling was found at an ouabain concentration of 3 x 10~ moles per liter. Endothelial permeability in corneas exposed to ouabain was evaluated by assessing permeability to water flow and to radioactive nonelectrolytes. No significant change in these permeability coefficients was found in the corneas which were swelling under the influence of ouabain as compared to normal corneas.