Optimal concentration of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) for epithelial healing in experimental corneal alkali wounds

Citation
Mj. Kim et al., Optimal concentration of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) for epithelial healing in experimental corneal alkali wounds, CURR EYE R, 22(4), 2001, pp. 272-279
Citations number
35
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
da verificare
Journal title
CURRENT EYE RESEARCH
ISSN journal
0271-3683 → ACNP
Volume
22
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
272 - 279
Database
ISI
SICI code
0271-3683(2001)22:4<272:OCOHEG>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Purpose. By using both in vivo and in vitro (organ-cultured) systems, the o ptimal concentrations of hEGF to enhance epithelial healing after alkali wo unds were evaluated in the rabbit cornea. Methods. Alkali-injured corneas (phi = 5.5 mm, 1N NaOH, 60 s) were treated with 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 ng/ ml hEGF for the in vitro study. The hea ling of epithelium and endothelium was determined at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days after treatment. For the in vivo experiment, the eyes were treated with 2, 5, 10, and 50 mug/ml hEGF 3 times per day. The measurement of epithelial h ealing rate, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical obser vation were performed after 7 days treatment. Results. In in vitro tests, hEGF enhanced the epithelial healing rates, sho wing a maximum enhancement at the concentration of 1.0 ng/ ml, and endothel ial healing was increased at 100 ng/ ml. In in vivo studies, no significant difference was observed in the rates of epithelial healing between control and each hEGF-treated group. Among the tested concentrations, 5 mug/ml hEG F induced the most active proliferation of basal cells and 50 mug/ml hEGF r emarkably produced a vascular ingrowth to the central wound area. The thick ness of re-surfaced epithelium was increased by hEGF in a concentration-dep endent manner. Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate that a low concentra tion of hEGF may selectively enhance epithelial healing without affecting e ndothelial healing. The optimal concentration of hEGF for the stimulation o f epithelial healing appears to be 5 mug/ml in rabbit corneal alkali wounds .