Abstract
Purpose::
If untreated, dry eye syndrome may lead to desiccation of the corneal epithelium, ulceration and increased incidence of infectious disease. When epithelium is compromised, it is important its rapid regeneration and an adequate treatment of dry eye promotes the restoration of the normal epithelium multilayered architecture. Aim of the present investigation was to prove that Arabinogalactan (AG), a new ophthalmic mucoadhesive and no-viscous compound, was well tolerated after ocular administration and exerted a corneal protective action. AG is a natural polysaccharide extracted from Larch tree.
Methods::
AG formulations were subjected to the following tests: a) rheological measurements; b) mucoadhesive measurements; c) evaluation of rabbit corneal epithelial cell proliferation in vitro; d) restoring evaluation of the normal multilayered architecture of the corneal epithelium in rabbit; e) healing rate of experimental corneal wound in rabbits; f) Ferning test; g) Schirmer I test; h) ocular residence time.
Results::
We found that AG was a polysaccharide with a newtonian no-viscous behaviour and mucoadhesive properties useful to retain the AG formulation on the eye surface. With AG formulations, in the re-epithelization process of damaged corneas, tissue stratification showed the same features of native epithelium. AG exerted a protective effect against the appearance of corneal epithelium dry spots and a significant increase in corneal wound healing rate.
Conclusions::
These findings suggest thet AG may be a new potential artificial tear for the prevention and the tratment of corneal wounds in dry eye syndrome and in contact lens induced abrasions since it do not interfere with vision because of its no-viscous feature.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • protective mechanisms • wound healing