Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effect of topical treatment of SLPI (Secretory Leucocyte Protease Inhibitor) and FP-MC (Fusion Protein made up of SLPI and Cementoin), inhibitors of Nuclear Factor kB, in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.
Methods: :
An alkali burn was performed using a 3 mm filter paper containing 1 mol/L sodium hydroxide placed in the cornea of rats during 40 seconds under general anesthesia. Animals were divided into three groups of five animals each according to the following therapy: SLPI (20 µg), PF-MC (2 µg) and vehicle. Treatment was topically administered four times a day for up to 3 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed. Eyes were extracted and processed for histological examination using H & E. The number of PMN cells and epithelial layers were randomly evaluated at the center and periphery of the cornea. Presence of neovessels was analysed in the whole cornea.
Results: :
PMN cells were significantly lower in the center and periphery of the cornea of PF rats (10.6 and 14) than that found in SLPI (29 and 59.8) and control rats (191 and 57.4). The corneal epithelium was more stratified in SLPI (4.4) and PF (4) animals than in controls (2.8). PF animals had much less neovessels than that seen in SLPI and control animals.
Conclusions: :
PF-MC, a novel protein, seems to have antiinflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Further research will be carried out to determine the usefulness of this agent in ophthalmic care.
Keywords: wound healing • cornea: basic science • neovascularization