The effects of RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptides on glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
Integrins are the main mediators of the interaction between fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) during scar formation. The adhesion motive RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) is contained in the ECM and is recognized by the integrin receptor. Soluble peptides containing the RGD sequence can compete with -RGD- contained in the ECM for binding to the integrin receptor and thus prevent cell adhesion and scar formation.


METHODS
The peptides RGD (p602), GRGDSP (p603), GRGDSPCA (p604), and GGRGDSPCA (p605) were used in 25 glaucoma filtering surgeries in rabbits (five eyes per peptide and five with saline).


RESULTS
Postoperative subconjunctival injections of peptides were given at days 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Bleb size, bleb survival, and signs of toxicity were examined. The GRGDSPCA and GGRGDSPCA showed an increase in bleb formation, size, and survival with no clinical signs of toxicity compared with controls (P < .008). Histopathologic evaluation confirmed inhibitory effects in scar formation with bleb formation, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that there was no toxicity to the ciliary body.


CONCLUSIONS
These peptides were effective in controlling scar formation in glaucoma filtering surgery.
Avila
M
M
Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital San Juan de Dios-Bogota, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia.
Ortiz
G
G
Lozano
J M
JM
Franco
P
P
de Pérez
G
G
Patarroyo
M E
ME
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D018463:Filtering Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D009842:Oligopeptides; C047981:arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid