J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 May;42(5):745-750.

Effect of Topically Applied Human Epidermal Growth Factor on Stromal Keratocyte Activity in Experimental Corneal Alkali Wounds

• Kim MJ
• Jun RM
• Chung JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Influence of topically applied human epidermal growth factor(hEGF) on stromal keratocyte was evaluated in the experimental corneal alkali wounds.
METHODS
Corneal alkali wounds were induced by applying a 5.5 mm round filter paper soaked in 1N NaOH onto the center of rabbit cornea for 60 seconds. The eyes were treated topically with 5 micrometer/ml hEGF(DaeWoong Pharma. Co. Ltd. Seoul, Korea) or PBS, 3 times per day. After 3- and 28-days treatment, the corneas were processed for transmission electron microscopy(TEM).
RESULTS
After 3-days treatment, the basement membrane integrity was maintained and the stromal keratocyte remained damaged in both groups. However, after 28-days treatment, the basement membrane was disrupted and the keratocytes were activated in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of present study indicated that the optimal concentration of hEGF which is known to stimulate the epithelial healing was failed to affect the keratocyte activities as long as the basement membrane integrity was maintained.

Keyword

Corneal alkali wounds; hEGF; Keratocyte

MeSH Terms

Alkalies*
Basement Membrane
Cornea
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Humans*
Seoul
Wounds and Injuries*
Alkalies
Epidermal Growth Factor