J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Dec;42(12):1771-1777.

Optimal Concentration of hEGF for Epithelial Healing in Experimental Corneal Alkali Wounds

• Jun RM
• Chung JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: An optimal concentration of hEGF to enhance epithelial healing was determined in the rabbit eyes after alkali wounds.
METHODS
Alkali-injured corneas (=5.5 mm, 1N NaOH, 60s) were treated with 0 (control), 2, 5, 10, and 50microgram/ml hEGF 3 times per day. The measurement of epithelial healing rate, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical observation were performed after 7 days treatment.
RESULTS
No significant difference was observed in the rates of epithelial healing between control and each hEGF-treated group. Among the tested concentrations, 5microgram/ml hEGF induced the most active proliferation of basal cells and 50microgram/ml hEGF remarkably produced a vascular ingrowth to the central wound area. The number of epithelial layers was increased by hEGF in a concentration-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS
A low concentration of hEGF may selectively enhance epithelial healing without inducing corneal neovascularization. The optimal concentration of hEGF for the stimulation of basal cell proliferation appears to be 5 microgram/ml in rabbit corneal alkali wounds.

Keyword

Corneal alkali wound; Epithelial healing; hEGF

MeSH Terms

Alkalies*
Cell Proliferation
Cornea
Corneal Neovascularization
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Wounds and Injuries*
Alkalies