Abstract
Purpose:
To determine the inflammatory and wound healing response in the ocular surface of rabbits (conjuntiva, sclera, cornea) of topical 50% bismuth subgallate (BSG) with different vehicles. To determine the hemostatic effect of 50% (BSG) with different vehicles, when applied to a controlled rabbit wound with active hemorrhage.
Methods:
Prospective, longitudinal, experimental and comparative study performed in two phases. Phase one, to determine safety by measuring external ocular inflammation. A controlled wound was created in the rabbit’s conjuntiva and sclera. Eyes were randomized to be enucleated at different intervals (Days 1, 7, 15, 21). Light microscopy with hematoxylin/eosin, and Perls stains was performed to evaluate the inflammatory response and wound healing response. Phase two, to determine efficacy by measuring time of hemostasis on a controlled wound in white, new zealand rabbit’s earlobe. Rabbits were randomized to one of 7 experimental groups where 50% BSG with seven different vehicles was chosen, or 1 control group where a dry gauze was used to control the hemorrhage. Presence of active bleeding was observed and measured every minute for 6 minutes.
Results:
Phase 1: The inflammatory and wound healing response observed in all groups was minimal. Scatter foreign body reaction, hemorrhage and neovascularization were only observed away from incision site, the etiology of it requires further studies. Phase 2: Mean time for hemostasis was compared among the 8 different groups (7 experimental, 1 control) using Kruskal-Wallis test. A statistical significant result was obtained when comparing all experimental groups against the control group (P= 0.003). Individual groups were then compared against the control group using the same non-parametric test. A statistical significant result was achieved with groups 2, 4, 7, 8 (P=0.003, 0.18, 0.002, 0.050, respectively). When comparing the mean time for hemostasis among all significant groups (groups 2, 4, 7, 8) there was no statistical difference (P=0.207).
Conclusions:
50% BSG with different vehicles is effective for decreasing hemorrhage time in controlled wounds in a rabbit experimental model. Toxic effects on ocular surface tissues were not observed on this study.
Keywords: 503 drug toxicity/drug effects