Gelatinase B and A expression after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy
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1Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston 02114, USA. Dimitri_Azar@meei.harvard.edu
Objective:
To compare the expression of gelatinases in the corneal epithelium and stroma after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Methods:
Rabbit eyes were treated with LASIK (n=11), PRK (n=12), or corneal flap construction (n=12); 4 eyes served as unwounded controls. Zymography was performed on the central epithelium and the stroma 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery to determine the expression of gelatinases.
Results:
Epithelial expression of gelatinase B in the LASIK group (0%-25%) was lower than that in the PRK group at all time points (50%-100%) and was identical to the corneal flap group. Stromal expression of gelatinases A and B was similar after LASIK and PRK, but was minimal after corneal flap construction at all time points. Epithelial expression of gelatinase A was similar for the first 3 days after LASIK and PRK but not thereafter.
Conclusions:
Gelatinase B epithelial expression was up-regulated after PRK but not after LASIK. Gelatinase B stromal expression was up-regulated after both procedures.
Clinical Relevance:
Differences in wound healing and subepithelial scarring after these 2 procedures may be related to gelatinase B.
