First Author: I.Bahar ISRAEL
Co Author(s): T. Livnat M. Masoud M. Yakimov E. Livny
Purpose:
To examine the effect of Erythropoietin on the healing process of corneal epithelial erosions in rabbit eyes.
Setting:
Ophthalmology Eye Lab, Felsenstein Institute, Rabin Medical Center
Methods:
Uniform corneal epithelial erosions were performed on the right eye of 15 new-zealand albino rabbits using application of 35% alcohol for 50 Sec., followed by mechanical removal of the epithelium with a surgical blade.
Rabbits were randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 eyes were treated locally with cellulose gel containing erythropoietin 4 times daily after epithelial erosions induction. Group 2 eyes were treated with the cellulose based gel, without erythropoietin, 4 times daily (control). Group 3 eyes were not treated (control). All rabbits were photographed with cobalt blue filter at time zero and three times daily then on, until complete re-epithelialization was achieved.
The digital images of the fluorescein stained corneas at each time point were evaluated morphometrically by computerized digital image analyzer (Image J, NIH). At re-epithelialization corneas were removed for histologic processing.
One-Way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis
Results:
Mean time (±SD) to complete re-epithalization was 55 ±2.19 hours in group 1, 66.5 ±14.25 Hours in group 2 and 62.2 ±9.09 Hours in group 3 (p=0.16). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding the duration to complete re-epithelialization and regarding the rate of epithelial healing. Histologic evaluation of the rabbit corneas revealed stromal vascularization in 2 of the 6 erythropoietin treated rabbits and in none of the control groups.
Conclusions:
Erythropoietin has no beneficial effect on the rate of the healing process of corneal epithelial erosions in rabbit eyes FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No
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