Effect of Human Annexin A5 Eye Drops on Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing in Rabbits

Abstract

Abstract: : Human annexin A5, a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein , promotes the migration of corneal epithelial cells in vitro and corneal wound healing of de-epithelialized rabbit cornea in vivo. Purpose:Accelerating effect of annexin A5 eye drops on the healing of de-epithelialized rabbit cornea was studied to determine optimal number of instillation for clinical use. Methods:The cornea of rabbits was abraded with a blade over an area demarcated with a 6-mm trephine. Human annexin A5 (0.03 %) eye drops were instilled into one eye 2 or 4 times daily, and the vehicle (control) was instilled into contralateral eye. Defect area was measured to evaluate healing speed by linear regression analysis. The rabbits were sacrificed at the time of wound closure, eyes were enucleated for histopathological analysis. Results:Instillation of human annexin A5 eye drops 2 times daily did not accelerate the healing rate compared to the control eye. Instillation 4 times daily resulted in a 9.1 % acceleration in healing rate (p<0.05).Hyperplasia of corneal epithelium was not found at the time of wound closure . Conclusions:These findings suggest a possible clinical use of human annexin A5 eye drops in the treatment of corneal epithelial disorder.

Keywords: wound healing • cornea: epithelium • animal model