Aim To demonstrate the efficacy of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 for corneal endothelial wound healing both in in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods As an in vitro model, cultivated cynomolgus monkey corneal endothelial cells were scraped to create a linear defect. The wound distance was then determined during a 24-h culture in the presence or absence of 10 μM of Y-27632. As an in vivo model, central corneal endothelium of Japanese white rabbits was damaged by transcorneal freezing, then 10 mM of Y-27632 was applied topically six times daily for 48 h. The wound area of the corneal endothelium was evaluated after 48 h.

Results The mean wound distance in the cultured corneal endothelial cells was significantly shorter in the Y-27632 group than in the control group. In the rabbit model, the mean wound area of the Y-27632 group was significantly smaller than that of the control group.

Conclusion This study demonstrated that ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 promotes corneal endothelial wound healing both in in vitro and in vivo.