Group IIA phospholipase A(2) content in tears of patients having photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on the concentration of group IIA phospholipase A(2) (GIIAPLA(2)) in tears.


METHODS
Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, and Helsinki University Eye Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.


METHODS
Tear samples were collected from 25 eyes of 23 patients (mean age 32.3 years +/- 8.6 [SD]) preoperatively and 2 and 7 days after PRK. The GIIAPLA(2) concentration in the tears was measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.


RESULTS
The GIIAPLA(2) concentration was significantly lower and the tear fluid flow rate significantly higher 2 days after PRK than preoperatively. At 7 days, the GIIAPLA(2) concentration and the tear fluid flow-corrected excretion of GIIAPLA(2) were significantly higher than preoperatively and at 2 days. The tear flow rate was also significantly higher than preoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The GIIAPLA(2) content in tears decreased 2 days after PRK due to dilution of the GIIAPLA(2) content during hypersecretion of reflex tears. Photorefractive keratectomy caused an increase in the tear flow rate, GIIAPLA(2) concentration, and tear fluid flow-corrected excretion of GIIAPLA(2) in tears 7 days after surgery, enhancing the protection of tears against bacterial infections.
Aho
Valtteri V
VV
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Holopainen
Juha M
JM
Tervo
Timo
T
Moilanen
Jukka A O
JA
Nevalainen
Timo
T
Saari
K Matti
KM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015200:Fluoroimmunoassay; D054501:Group II Phospholipases A2; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000378:metabolism*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D013666:Tears / Q000201:enzymology*
D010741:Phospholipases A; D054501:Group II Phospholipases A2