[Effect of keratinocyte growth factor on corneal epithelial wound healing].
OBJECTIVE
To select effective methods for accelerating corneal epithelial wound healing and treating persistent corneal epithelial defect.


METHODS
Exogenous keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, 0.1 ng/ml - 100 ng/ml) was added to cultures of human corneal epithelial cells and DNA synthesis in corneal epithelial cells was measured with [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation and liquid scintillation techniques. The effective concentration of topical application of KGF was calculated and 1 microg/ml KGF was then applied topically to rabbit eyes. Corneal epithelial defect was measured by a digital computer at different times.


RESULTS
KGF at a dosage ranging from 1 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml enhanced cellular proliferation effectively (the rate of cell proliferation 27.66% - 76.73%) and in a dose-dependent manner (r = 0.9233, P < 0.001). Topical application of KGF significantly accelerated corneal wound healing in rabbits (Epithelial healing rate in the KGF-treated group was 1.77 +/- 0.23 mm(2)/h, while in the PBS-treated group it was 1.49 +/- 0.24 mm(2)/h; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that exogenous KGF stimulate proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells and accelerate corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo.
Zhong
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Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060.
Gong
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D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
C496453:FGF7 protein, human; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004247:DNA