Recombinant tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 1 suppresses alkali-burn-induced corneal ulceration in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To test if recombinant tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) was effective in reducing corneal ulceration after alkali injury to the rabbit cornea. The effect of TIMP-1 was compared with that of a proven synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor.


METHODS
After a defined alkali injury to the rabbit cornea, a topical treatment regimen was followed for 24 days; one group was treated with vehicle only, a second group with recombinant TIMP-1, and a third group with the synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor. Corneas were scored for ulceration during the 24-day period and the scores for the three groups were compared.


RESULTS
The incidence and progression of ulceration and perforation, in the alkali-burned corneas receiving treatment with recombinant TIMP-1 or the synthetic inhibitor, were significantly less than in corneas receiving vehicle treatment alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Recombinant TIMP-1 is as effective as a proven synthetic inhibitor in ameliorating corneal ulceration and perforation after an alkali injury.
Paterson
C A
CA
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine 40292.
Wells
J G
JG
Koklitis
P A
PA
Higgs
G A
GA
Docherty
A J
AJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
D006023:Glycoproteins; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases