The Effect Of Local Rock-inhibition On Wound Healing After Glaucoma Filtration Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: : The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a local ROCK-inhibitor; AMA0076 (Amakem NV), after glaucoma filtration surgery in a rabbit model.

Methods: : The in vivo effects of local ROCK-inhibition were investigated in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery (n=5 per histological analysis group). Topical treatment with AMA0076 (study eye) and vehicle (control eye) was administered 3x/day (9h/13h/17h) from day 1 after surgery. Treatment outcome was studied by clinical investigation (IOP, bleb area and bleb survival) as well as immunohistological analyses for inflammation (CD45), angiogenesis (CD31) and collagen deposition (Sirius Red) at days 3, 8,14 and 30.

Results: : To significant difference (p>0.05) in bleb area was seen between the treated eyes and the control eyes in this trabeculectomy model. Topical treatment of AMA0076 reduced angiogenesis days 3 (p=0.05) and 8 (p=0.04) as well as collagen deposition (day 8, p=0.035).

Conclusions: : Targeting ROCK with a local ROCK inhibitor, AMA0076 is efficacious in reducing angiogenesis and fibrosis on several time points in a rabbit model of glaucoma surgery. These results render ROCK as an appealing target to increase the success rate of filtration surgery and point to the potential therapeutic benefits of the local ROCK inhibitor, AMA0076.

Keywords: wound healing