Related Experiment Videos
Topical amiloride accelerates healing and delays neovascularization in mechanically produced corneal ulcers in
Abstract:
The present investigation was undertaken to explore the ulcer healing and antiangiogenic efficacy of two dosage schedules of topically administered amiloride in mechanically produced corneal ulcers in rabbits and to compare its effect with the conventional topical antiinflammatory angiostatic agent flurbiprofen. The epithelium and superficial lamellae of the stroma of both eyes of each rabbit were cut through by a corneal trephine (8 mm diameter) up to a depth of 0.3 mm and removed after local anesthesia. The animals were randomly divided in groups of 4 rabbits each. In the eyes of 2 groups of animals, amiloride (4%) was instilled either q.i.d. or b.i.d.; in another, flurbiprofen (0.03%) was instilled twice daily whereas the saline-treated group served as control. The healing of ulcer was followed on a slit lamp regarding its size, depth, slough formation, infiltration and neovascularization on alternate days up to the 10th day with and without fluorescein staining. Healing of corneal ulcers was significantly accelerated by both dosage schedules of topical amiloride (4%) but more so following q.i.d. instillation. Topical flurbiprofen, on the other hand, delayed the healing process. Instillation of amiloride four times daily or flurbiprofen twice daily inhibited angiogenesis significantly. However, appearance of new vessels was completely prevented when amiloride (4%) was instilled twice daily. Thus topical amiloride (4%) may prove to be a cheap and better antineovascularization as well as ulcer healing agent with no apparent side effects. Inhibition of uPA by amiloride appears to be responsible for these effects.
Insights
Topical amiloride (4%) significantly accelerated corneal ulcer healing and inhibited new blood vessel formation in rabbits. It shows promise as a safe and effective agent for treating corneal ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Wound Healing
- Angiogenesis Inhibition
Background:
- Corneal ulcers can lead to vision impairment.
- Neovascularization complicates corneal ulcer healing.
- Current treatments have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate topical amiloride's efficacy in corneal ulcer healing.
- To assess amiloride's antiangiogenic properties.
- To compare amiloride with flurbiprofen.
Main Methods:
- Mechanically induced corneal ulcers in rabbits.
- Topical administration of amiloride (4%) or flurbiprofen (0.03%).
- Saline served as the control group.
- Ulcer healing and neovascularization monitored via slit lamp examination.
Main Results:
- Amiloride significantly accelerated ulcer healing, especially at q.i.d. dosage.
- Flurbiprofen delayed corneal ulcer healing.
- Both amiloride and flurbiprofen inhibited angiogenesis.
- Amiloride at b.i.d. dosage completely prevented new vessel formation.
Conclusions:
- Topical amiloride is a promising agent for corneal ulcer healing and antiangiogenesis.
- Amiloride may be a cost-effective alternative with fewer side effects.
- Amiloride's mechanism likely involves urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibition.