[An experimental research of recombinant human epidermal growth factor on corneal wound healing].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) eye drops on corneal wound healing.


METHODS
Twenty-four white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, 6 rabbits 12 eyes each. Anterior keratectomy of 8 mm in diameter and 1/3 cornea in thickness was performed on each eye. Each of the following concentrations of rhEGF: 1, 10, 100 microg/ml eye drops or normal saline (control) was applied four times daily for a week respectively for one group. The wound area was determined by computer imaging analysis.


RESULTS
The mean epithelial healing rate of rhEGF 1, 10, 100 microg/ml groups was 9.31, 9.96, 9.31 mm(2)/day respectively, significantly greater than 8.11 mm(2)/day of the control group. The action of rhEGF of 10 microg/ml was somewhat better than that of 1 or 100 microg/ml, and no significant difference was noticed among the three rhEGF groups. Moderate inflammation and corneal neovascularization were induced in the rhEGF 100 microg/ml treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
rhEGF 1 - 10 microg/ml can accelerate corneal wound healing in the rabbit with no adverse side-effects. It may be used to treat serious corneal trauma and ulcer clinically.
Zheng
R
R
Department of Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing 100005.
Jin
X
X
Yang
B
B
Li
B
B
Li
L
L
Xu
Z
Z
Zhu
H
H
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor