title: Characterization of water retentive properties of hyaluronan.
abstract: We examined the water retentive properties of hyaluronan because of its reported therapeutic effect in the treatment of dry eye. Hyaluronan dose dependently retarded water loss from a solution kept at constant temperature and humidity. Similarly, water loss was retarded when hyaluronan was placed atop an agar gel. These decreases in water loss were not related to changes in the molecular weight of hyaluronan. Unlike the in vitro models, the evaporation rate from the tears in normal subjects initially increased following the topical application of hyaluronan, and continued a higher rate than with the vehicle. These results suggest that hyaluronan enhances water retention on the corneal surface, and probably increases corneal wettability. Accordingly, hyaluronan eye drops may be useful in the treatment of dry eye.
authors.affiliation: Central Research Laboratories, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hikida
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ito
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hamano
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kinoshita
mesh_terms: D003890:Desiccation; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014867:Water; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid