The effect of paclitaxel on conjunctival wound healing: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of mitomycin C (MMC) and paclitaxel entrapped within Carbopol 980 hydrogel (CH) on conjunctival wound healing.


METHODS
Twenty rabbits were randomized into 2 groups. In group 1, limbal-based conjunctival flaps were created in both eyes. In this stage, eyes were randomized for 4 different processes. In process 1, a dry cellulose sponge soaked with 0.2 mg/mL of MMC was applied to the scleral surface. A cellulose sponge soaked with balanced saline solution was applied in the same manner in process 2. In process 3, paclitaxel 1 mg/mL entrapped within CH was placed between the conjunctiva and sclera. In process 4, CH without paclitaxel was applied in the same manner. The conjunctiva was then sutured. All procedures were applied in the same manner in both eyes of animals in group 2. Eyes from group 1 were sampled at the seventh day, and the sampling was also carried out in group 2 on day 14. The inflammatory response and fibrosis were evaluated with light microscopy.


RESULTS
Among 4 different processes, lower cell counts and fibrosis scores were found in eyes treated with MMC and paclitaxel compared with balanced saline solution and CH groups (P<0.05). There was no difference between eyes treated with MMC and paclitaxel in terms of these histopathologic parameters (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Paclitaxel was shown to provide MMC-like antifibrotic effects during conjunctival wound healing, particularly when delivered with CH and might be a promising alternative as an adjunctive antimetabolite in glaucoma filtration surgery.
Koz
Ozlem Gurbuz
OG
Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, 1st Eye Clinic, Hacettepe University School of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey. ozlemgkoz@hotmail.com
Ozhuy
Serife
S
Tezel
Gaye Guler
GG
Karaman
Nazmiye
N
Unlu
Nursen
N
Yarangumeli
Alper
A
Kural
Gulcan
G
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011817:Rabbits; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004337:Drug Carriers; C479038:carbomer; D016685:Mitomycin; D017239:Paclitaxel