Effect of subconjunctivally injected, liposome-bound, low-molecular-weight heparin on the absorption rate of subconjunctival hemorrhage in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of subconjunctival injection of liposome-bound, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on the absorption rate of subconjunctival hemorrhages.


METHODS
Subconjunctival hemorrhages were induced in both eyes of 30 rabbits by the subconjunctival injection of 0.1 mL of autologous blood from auricular marginal veins. After 8 hours, randomized subconjunctival injections of one of three materials were made: 5 IU/mL liposome-bound LMWH (0.1 mL) in 18 eyes (group A), only liposomes (0.1 mL) in 14 eyes (group B), the free form of LMWH (5 IU/mL, 0.1 mL) in 14 eyes (group C), or no injection in 14 eyes (group D). Subconjunctival hemorrhages were photographed with a digital camera at 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after induction of subconjunctival hemorrhages, sized with an image analyzer, and compared between groups.


RESULTS
Subconjunctival hemorrhages were absorbed faster in group A (liposome-bound LMWH injected) than in with group B (liposome injected). Comparison of groups A and C (free LMWH injected) showed statistical differences in the absorption rates at 96 and 120 hours except at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The mean elapsed time for the complete resorption of subconjunctival hemorrhages was shortest in group A among four groups, whereas group B and the control showed no significant differences. The ocular and systemic absorption of LMWH were significantly lower after injection of the liposome-bound than the free form.


CONCLUSIONS
The subconjunctival injection of liposome-bound LMWH appears to enhance subconjunctival hemorrhage absorption in rabbits.
Moon
Jun-Woong
JW
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Artificial Eye Center of Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Song
Yun-Kyoung
YK
Jee
Jun-Pil
JP
Kim
Chong-Kook
CK
Choung
Ho-Kyung
HK
Hwang
Jeong-Min
JM
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005130:Eye Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007267:Injections; D008081:Liposomes; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors
D004337:Drug Carriers; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D008081:Liposomes