The Inhibitory Effect of TGF-beta Inhibitor on the Corneal Opacity After Corneal Laceration

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of TGF-beta inhibitor on the wound healing process after corneal laceration, and its inhibitory effect on corneal scar formation. METHODS: Forty Lewis rats were randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups (groups I, II, and III). After partial-thickness vertical linear corneal incision, a diluted solution with 10, 25, and 50 microgram of TGF-beta inhibitor was instilled into each eye of groups I, II, and III respectively. Corneal haze was measured by using slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination. Using histopathologic examination, we compared the number of stromal keratocytes and the arrangement of regenerated collagen fibers. We also performed immunohistochemistry to confirm the differential expression of fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin in each group. RESULTS: Group III showed less corneal haze and more regular arrangement of regenerated collagen fibers than the other groups. The number of stromal keratocytes and immunoreactivity to fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin decreased as the dose of TGF-beta inhibitor increased. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta inhibitor effectively reduced corneal haze during corneal healing processes after corneal laceration.