Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine whether metallic object penetration and length of exposure time results in predictable changes in corneal protein profile. To determine whether penetration by metallic objects of different compositions (copper, iron and lead) results in different protein changes for the bovine and porcine eyes.
Methods: :
Enucleated bovine (n=30) and porcine (n=30) were used for exposure to copper nails, iron pins and lead pellets. Eyes were subjected to Fluorescein staining to confirm corneal epithelial integrity. Laemellar dissection techniques were employed to isolate layers of the cornea for exposure. Excised cornea was subjected to protein extraction. Protein amount was determined by spectrophotometry and protein profile was determined using SDS-PAGE analysis.
Results: :
Metallic object penetration resulted in lower protein extractability from corneal tissue compared to controls. Increased depth of injury also negatively affected protein extractability compared to controls. The changes in protein profiles were different for different metals (copper, iron and lead). Protein profile changes were different for penetration to different depths and dependent on several other factors in a complex manner.
Conclusions: :
Exposure to metallic objects results predictable changes in corneal protein profile. The different duration and composition of metallic object shows differences in protein profile. The depth and duration of exposure results in reproducible changes suggesting severity of exposure can be predicted from corneal protein profile changes.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • trauma • proteomics