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Modulation of proteolytic activity associated with persistent corneal ulcers in dogs
K.O. Willeford1, W.W. Miller, K.L. Abrams
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mississippi State University, Box 9650, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA; Animal Ophthalmology Clinic, 3767 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122, USA; Veterinary Ophthalmology Services Inc., 42 Benefit Street, Warwick, RI 02886, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 9825, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA.
Abstract:
Canines affected with corneal lesions demonstrate increased proteolytic activity at the affected site. Canines that develop persistent corneal ulcers and maintain elevated levels of proteolytic activity respond to protease inhibitor therapy with polysulpated glycosaminoglycan, PSGAG. In this study, the proteolytic activity expressed in lacrimal fluid of canines was evaluated as normal (1.15 U mL-1) or healed (1.19 U mL-1). Six of the 26 dogs affected with persistent corneal ulcers, however, had a protease level consistent with the unaffected control animals. These dogs did not appear to respond to PSGAG therapy. Two pathophysiologies for persistent corneal ulcers are indicated. Identifying which mode is active could help determine the therapeutic treatment needed.