Study of Topical Human Umbilical Cord Blood Serum in the Treatment of Alkaline Corneal Epithelial Wounds in Rabbit Model

• Main Authors: B Sharifi, A Mousavizadeh, M Akbarzadeh, MR Tokhmehchi
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Yasuj University Of Medical Sciences 2011-04-01
• Series: Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal
• Subjects: Umbilical Cord Blood; Alkaline-Injured; Cornea
• Online Access: http://armaghanj.yums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1-286&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Introduction & Objective: One of the important functions of the cornea is to maintain normal vision by refracting light onto the lens and retina. This property is dependent in part on the ability of the corneal epithelium to undergo continuous renewal. Ocular surface failure which follows a variety of endogenous and exogenous precipitating factors, the most common being: chemical trauma, infection, alkaline burn, inflammation and hereditary conditions, lid or lash abnormalities, tear deficiency or reduced sensation. The core principal underpinning management strategy for ocular surface failure is establishing or promoting new growth of healthy conjunctiva and corneal epithelium. This process is mediated by many proteins that are inducers of corneal cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The current study was performed to investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum on alkaline corneal epithelial wound healing in the rabbit model. Materials & Methods: In this study conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2010, thirty two rabbits were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Central corneal alkali wound was formed in one eye of the rabbits by applying a 6-mm round filter paper, soaked in 1 N NaOH, for 60 seconds. Group one of animals received umbilical cord blood serum and group two received Sno*Tear in the eyes. The treatment was dosed 4 times a day with the eye drops, and epithelial wound closure was recorded using slit lamp. The data were analyzed to determine the rate of wound closure. Results: The mean wound radius closure rate was 0.77 mm/day (SD=0.013) for umbilical cord blood serum-treated eyes, 0.73 mm/day (SD=0.018) for artificial tear-treated eyes. Conclusion: This study shows that alkali-injured corneal epithelial wound heal faster when treated with umbilical cord blood serum than with artificial tear in rabbit model.