Reactive formation of hyaluronic acid in the rabbit corneal alkali burn.
The presence and distribution of reactively formed hyaluronic acid (HA) was assessed in the rabbit cornea following a penetrating alkali burn. The injury was inflicted by applying a round, 5.5 mm, filter paper soaked in 1 N NaOH centrally on the cornea for 60 seconds. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase of HA two weeks after injury, a peak concentration after 1 month, and a decrease again at three months. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of hyaluronic acid in the healing epithelium, in the repopulating keratocytes/fibroblasts, and in the cells forming the retrocorneal membrane. Extensive amounts filled lacunae in the stroma as well as the spaces between collagen lamellae. A slow restoration of normal appearing corneal stroma took place at the periphery. Significant staining for HA in lacunae was present centrally in the wound after three months.
Fagerholm
P
P
St Eriks Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Fitzsimmons
T
T
Härfstrand
A
A
Schenholm
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011817:Rabbits; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D014945:Wound Healing
D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid