[Experimental study on the treatment of corneal melting after alkali burn with GM 6001].

OBJECTIVE

To eva1uate the effect of synthetic inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (GM 6001) on the prevention of melting of rabbit corneas after alkali burn.

METHODS

Severe and moderate rabbit alkali burns were made by different concentrations of NaOH. Corneas with severe or moderate alkali injuries were topically treated with 400 mg/L or 200 mg/L GM 6001 for 30 days. Vehicle was used as control. All corneas were evaluated for melting, opacity and other pathological changes.

RESULTS

After severe alkali burns, all of the 8 corneas of the control group melted in 13 +/- 5 days, and 2 corneas perforated. Only did 2 corneas melt in 19 +/- 4 days after burn and not perforate in 400 mg/L GM 6001 group. The rates of corneal melting and perforation in 400 mg/L GM 6001 group were lower than that of the control (P < 0.05), and the initial time of melting was later than that of the control (P < 0.0l). After moderate alkali burn, all of the 6 corneas of control melted in 14 +/- 6 days, and 1 cornea perforated. Only did 2 of 200 mg/L GM 6001 treated corneas melt in 19 +/- 4 days without perforation after burn. The rate of corneal melting and the degree of corneal opacity were lower in 200 mg/L GM 6001 treated than that of the control, the difference being significant (P < 0.0l). Histologic section of GM 6001 treated corneas revealed much less collagen fiber destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration than that of the control.

CONCLUSION

GM 6001 not only can prevent and delay the corneal melting after alkali burn, but also can reduce the destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the corneal tissue.