title: Effects of alpha-MSH on corneal epithelial lesions in rats.
abstract: We investigated the influence of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) on the healing of corneal epithelial lesions in male Wistar rats. The lesions were induced by abrading corneal epithelium with a surgical lancet under a biomicroscope. Before the abrasion corneal epithelium was softened with 40% ethanol. alpha-MSH drops in a concentration of 1 x 10(-4) mg/mL significantly promoted epithelial healing, when compared to the control group treated with 0.9% NaCl. Significant reduction of ocular irritation was also observed. Topical alpha-MSH medication could promote the healing of corneal wounds and reduce local inflammatory response without the major side effects of the corticosteroid therapy.
authors: University of Zagreb, Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb, Croatia. josip.pavan@g.htnet.hr
authors: Josip
authors: J
authors: Pavan
authors: Adrian
authors: A
authors: Lukenda
authors: Nikola
authors: N
authors: Stambuk
authors: Pasko
authors: P
authors: Konjevoda
authors: Snjezana
authors: S
authors: Kastelan
authors: Marko
authors: M
authors: Curković
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D006728:Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D000521:alpha-MSH