Abstract
Purpose: :
Chitosan spheres were placed in rabbits eviscerating cavities to evaluate tissue reaction and potential systemic effects.
Methods: :
A prospective, randomized, experimental study was done. Twenty Norfolk albino rabbits, ageing 4 to 6 weeks and weighing between 2,250 and 3,770 kg, underwent right eye evisceration and implantation of 10mm diameter chitosan sphere. Postoperative reactions, animal behavior, and socket conditions were monitored daily. Animals were sacrificed 7, 15, 30 and 90 days after surgery (Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Five rabbits composed each group. All animals underwent biochemical assays (GOT, GPT, HDL, AP, CK, urea and creatinine) at the time of evisceration and at sacrifice. Light microscopy and morphometric evaluation with statistical analysis of the exenterated orbits were performed.
Results: :
Two rabbits (10%) in Group 1 had orbital inflammation but complete resolution was achieved. Throughout the experimental period, HDL in Group 3 was the only biochemical parameter increased comparing to the initial value (p<0.05). The histological exam showed good integration of the sphere and the adjacent tissue, with inflammatory cells reduction 15 days after the evisceration surgery. A pseudocapsule surrounding the implanted sphere was observed and the morphometric examination showed significant reduction in pseudocapsule thickness along the experimental period.
Keywords: inflammation • anatomy • sclera