Abstract: To explore the role of rapamycin in the pathogenesis of posterior capsule opacification(PCO). Methods: Twelve New Zealand rabbits (24 eyes) were performed phacoemulsification and randomly divided into 4 groups. The irrigation solution of 7.5?ng/ml, 15?ng/ml and 30?ng/ml rapamycin was used in 3 experimental groups respectively. The posterior capsule and cornea were observed with slitlamp microscope in different times, then 3 months after the rabbits were killed, the histopathological changes and transmission electronic microscope examination were measured. Results: The incidence of PCO was significantly decreased in the 15?ng/ml and 30?ng/ml rapamycin groups compared with the control group in the 12th week after the operation (P＜0.05). Conclusion： Rapamycin can inhibit the PCO formation without obvious toxicity.

Key words: Rapamycin, Cataract extraction, Postoperative complications, Rabbit