Expressions of MMP–2 and TIMP–2 in Early Corneal Alkali Burn With Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Rabbits

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To investigate the distributions and expressions of MMP–2 and TIMP–2 in early corneal alkali burn with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in rabbits. Methods: Fifty–four of New Zealand white rabbits were used to made corneal alkali burn model and randomly divided into fresh amniotic membrane transplantation group (fAMT), preserved amniotic membrane transplantation group (pAMT) and control group (C). The right eyes were transplanted with fresh or preserved amniotic membrane 30min after burn in fAMT or pAMT group, respectively. The pathohistology and expressions of MMP–2 and TIMP–2 by immunohistochemistry of cornea were observed using a microscope or computer image analysis system on the 14^th, 30^th, and 60^th day after operation, respectively. Results: Corneal epithelium healing,inflammatory cell infiltration, and neovascularization in AMT were better improved than those in C. The levels of MMP–2 were significantly (P<0.01) decreased and those of TIMP–2 increased in fAMT when compared with pAMT, and both of these values were significantly (P<0.01) lower than those of C group. Conclusions: The interaction and balance between MMP–2 and TIMP–2 may play an important role in amniotic membrane transplantation for early corneal alkali burn in rabbits. The fAMT is more effective in corneal healing process than pAMT.

Keywords: extracellular matrix • immunohistochemistry • transplantation