Use Of Self-assembling Peptide As Artificial Vitreous In Rabbits

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate a self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold for a potential vitreous substitution rabbits.

Methods: : Fourteen male Japanese white rabbits underwent a 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with performing posterior vitreous detachment in the right eye. Approximately 1.5 mL of the self-assembling gel was then injected into the vitreous cavity in ten eyes. Four eyes underwent injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) served as controls. Slit-lamp microscopy, funduscopy, electroretinography (ERG) and intraocular pressure (IOP) was examined in each eye pre- and post-operatively. 4 weeks after surgery, the rabbits were all sacrificed and all eyes were enucleated and examined further histological analysis.

Results: : The self-assembling peptide gel was successfully injected and showed translucent cavity throughout the postoperative period. Any abnormal findings including elevation of IOP were not observed. ERG recordings confirmed preservation of retinal function with showing normal data. Histological examination of the retinal tissue showed no abnormalities.

Conclusions: : Rabbit model provided that the self-assembling peptide gel was safely injected by using 25 gauge PPV system and this artificial vitreous. Promising preliminary results of the use of self-assembling peptide gel as a vitreous substitute were shown. However, further investigation are needed for the long-term safety and the efficacy of the tamponade property.

Keywords: vitreous substitutes • injection • electroretinography: non-clinical