[Effect of ACTH4-10 on the course of inflammatory and regeneration processes in the rabbit cornea]

The effect of synthetic peptide ACTH4-10 on the course of healing of an experimental wound of the rabbit cornea was studied. Daily subconjunctival injections of the drug in a dose of 10(-8) M for 25 days boosted the migration of leukocytes and macrophages and increased the interstitial and keratocyte proteolysis during the first 10 days of the experiment. Subsequent follow-up showed manifest proliferation of fibroblasts and formation of fibrosis. These data demonstrate expressed effect of synthetic ACTH4-10 on the course of the inflammatory and regeneratory processes in the cornea after partial keratectomy and prove the possibility of short-term local therapy with this peptide as an agent improving corneal wound healing during the initial phases.