Effects of mucin ophthalmic solution on epithelial wound healing in rabbit cornea

To test the hypothesis that a mucin ophthalmic solution could accelerate the healing of corneal epithelium, we conducted a study in rabbits using an ophthalmic solution containing mucin extracted from bovine submaxillary gland. The corneas of rabbits were abraded with a razor blade in the central portion over an area demarcated with a 7-mm trephine. Mucin-containing eye drops were instilled into the right eye 4 times a day for 3 days, and the vehicle was instilled into the left eye. After enucleation, the eyes were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as light microscopy. Mucin-containing eye drops were shown to reduce the epithelial defect area more rapidly than the vehicle. Thus, the eye drops accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing.