Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: We investigated histologically the effects of several topical anti-inflammatory drugs on corneal wound healing, particularly in the subepithelial haze area, following superficial keratectomy in rabbits. Methods: Mechanical superficial keratectomy was performed in rabbit eyes. Tranilast, betamethasone, hyaluronic acid, and diclofenac eyedrops were administered topically after the procedure. Physiological saline was used as the control. Corneas were excised 1,2,3, and 4 weeks post-keratectomy, labelled with 3H-thymidine or 3H-proline, and subjected to autoradiography. Results: In the control group, corneal haze developed 3 weeks post-keratectomy. Histological examination revealed the accumulation of proliferating keratocytes with the active synthesis of collagen in the subepithelial area. In the tranilast and betamethasone groups, corneal haze formation was less than that in the control group. Keratocyte proliferation and collagen production in the corneal stroma were inhibited by these drugs. In the hyaluronic acid group, corneal haze formation was also decreased, although the proliferation of keratocytes was increased compared with the control group. The abnormal accumulation of keratocytes in the subepithelial area was not observed. Conclusion: Tranilast and betamethasone decrease the formation of subepithelial haze by inhibiting keratocyte proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix n the corneal stroma. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, inhibits subepithelial haze by promoting physiologic wound healing.
Keywords: 374 cornea: stroma and keratocytes • 403 extracellular matrix • 631 wound healing