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Published on: September 13, 2016
Application of newly developed amniotic membrane ointment for photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits
Tae Hyun Kim1, Dong Yeoul Lee, Jee Hyun Rho
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, BK21 program, Dong-A University College of Medicine and Medical Science Research Center, Busan, South Korea.
Abstract:
We developed amniotic membrane ointment (AMO), and the effect of instilling the AMO after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was investigated with respect to inflammatory cell infiltration into the corneal stroma, apoptosis of keratocytes, and suppression of lipid peroxidation of cellular walls. The PRK procedure was performed on both eyes of 10 white rabbits. One eye of each rabbit (the experimental eye) was instilled with the AMO and the other eye of the rabbit (the control eye) with a base ointment 0, 8 and 16 h after the PRK procedure. Corneal specimens were collected 24 h after the PRK procedure. Hematoxylin-eosin stain and TUNEL assay were conducted to demonstrate polymorphonuclear and apoptotic cells, respectively. To assess lipid peroxidation, immunohistochemical staining with an antibody to malondialdehyde was undertaken. Compared to the control, the cornea instilled with the AMO had significantly less polymorphonuclear cells infiltrating into the corneal stroma as well as keratocytes subjected to apoptosis. These corneas also showed a significantly less extent of lipid peroxidation than the control. These data support that instillation of the AMO effectively reduced the recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells, the induction of apoptosis in keratocytes, and lipid peroxidation induced by PRK. Thus, this study could provide basic data on the clinical application of the AMO in the days ahead.
Insights
Amniotic membrane ointment (AMO) effectively reduced inflammation and cell damage after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbits. This eye treatment shows promise for improving recovery after refractive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) can induce inflammation, keratocyte apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation.
- Amniotic membrane preparations have demonstrated therapeutic potential in ocular surface diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane ointment (AMO) in mitigating PRK-induced ocular complications.
- To assess the impact of AMO on inflammatory cell infiltration, keratocyte apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation post-PRK.
Main Methods:
- PRK was performed on rabbit eyes, with one eye treated with AMO and the contralateral eye with a base ointment.
- Corneal tissues were analyzed 24 hours post-PRK using Hematoxylin-eosin stain, TUNEL assay, and malondialdehyde immunohistochemistry.
- Evaluated parameters included polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, keratocyte apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation levels.
Main Results:
- AMO treatment significantly reduced polymorphonuclear cell infiltration into the corneal stroma compared to controls.
- Instillation of AMO led to a significant decrease in keratocyte apoptosis post-PRK.
- Corneas treated with AMO exhibited significantly less lipid peroxidation than control corneas.
Conclusions:
- Amniotic membrane ointment (AMO) effectively suppresses key inflammatory and degenerative processes following PRK.
- AMO demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent to enhance corneal healing and reduce complications after refractive surgery.
- These findings provide foundational data for the clinical application of AMO in ophthalmic practice.
