title: Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by hydrogels in artificial tears.
abstract: Most formulations of artificial tears include high-molecular weight hydrophilic polymers (hydrogels) that are usually thought to serve to enhance viscosity and to act as demulcents. A few reports have indicated that application of some of the polymers accelerates healing of wounds in epithelia. Since activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is critical for spontaneous corneal epithelial wound healing, we tested commonly used hydrogels for their ability to activate the EGF receptor and enhance closure of wounds. Five structurally unrelated hydrogels used in artificial tears were found to activate the EGF receptor. Importantly, two of the hydrogels enhanced wound healing in an organ culture model. We propose that the efficacy of hydrogels in treating dry eye may be related to their ability to activate the EGF receptor, and that hydrogels are inexpensive, safe agents to promote healing of wounds in the cornea and possibly in other tissues.
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lozano
authors.forename: Edward Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Chay
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Healey
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sullenberger
authors.forename: Jes K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Klarlund
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016850:Limbus Corneae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000494:pharmacology; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000737:chemistry*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D008747:Methylcellulose; D066246:ErbB Receptors