The effect of heparin-surface-modification on scar-tissue formation around a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
Excessive scar tissue formation around ocular drainage implants is a common cause for implant failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin-surface-modification of a subconjunctival polymethylmethacrylate implant on scar-tissue formation in the rabbit eye.


METHODS
Plain and heparin-surface-modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were implanted subconjunctivally in the eyes of 13 rabbits in two groups consisting of 8 and 5 animals. In the latter group the implants were in contact with aqueous humour through a fistula into the anterior chamber.


RESULTS
Both unmodified and heparin-surface-modified polymethylmethacrylate implants were well tolerated. In histological sections studied by both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, heparin-surface-modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants seemed to diminish the formation of scar tissue around the subconjunctival implants.


CONCLUSIONS
Heparin-surface-modification of polymethylmethacrylate implants could provide one way to affect the formation of excessive fibrous tissue around ocular drainage implants.
Kivalo
M
M
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006493:Heparin; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014945:Wound Healing
D000925:Anticoagulants; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D006493:Heparin; D003094:Collagen