Stimulation of Corneal Epithelial Migration by a Peptide Corresponding to the PHSRN Sequence of Fibronectin

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Fibronectin and its integrin receptor play an important role in the migration of corneal epithelial cells. In addition to its RGD sequence, the sequence PHSRN constitutes another cell–binding site of fibronectin. We investigated whether the PHSRN peptide stimulates corneal epithelial migration in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The effect of PHSRN peptide on corneal epithelial wound closure was evaluated in rabbits after epithelial debridement with 1–heptanol. The effect of PHSRN peptide on corneal epithelial migration in vitro was assessed with an organ culture system of the rabbit cornea. Results: The PHSRN peptide (2 nanoM to 2 micro M) increased the length of the path of epithelial migration in the rabbit cornea in organ culture in a concentration dependent manner. The control peptide NRSHP did not affect corneal epithelial migration in this system at any concentration examined. The administration of eyedrops containing PHSRN peptide (20 micro M to 2 milliM) in phosphate–buffered saline also facilitated corneal epithelial wound closure in rabbits in a dose–dependent manner. Again, the control peptide NRSHP had no such effect. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the PHSRN peptide stimulates corneal epithelial migration in vitro and in vivo.

Keywords: wound healing • cornea: epithelium • cornea: basic science