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Abstract #8547 Published in IGR 5-1
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition modulates postoperative scarring after experimental glaucoma filtration surgery
Wong TT; Mead AL; Khaw PTInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2003; 44: 1097-1103
PURPOSE: To determine whether postoperative application of a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, GM6001 (ilomastat), reduces scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery. METHODS: In a randomized, prospective, masked-observer study, 40 New Zealand White rabbits underwent modified glaucoma filtration surgery. The animals were randomly allocated to receive postoperative subconjunctival injections of either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or 100 μm ilomastat for ten days. The animals were killed on days 7, 14, 21, and 30. Clinical characteristics, which included bleb morphology and intraocular pressure (IOP), were recorded. Tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and extracellular matrix components in the two groups. RESULTS: Surgical outcome was significantly prolonged in the ilomastat-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.001). At day 30, all the blebs had survived except two in the ilomastat-treated group, whereas no blebs survived to day 30 with vehicle treatment (n = 11). IOP remained significantly lower throughout the course of the experiment in the ilomastat group compared with the vehicle group (p < 0.0017). Histologically, less scar tissue was observed at the sclerostomy site with inhibition of MMP, compared with vehicle treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented suggest that the healing response after surgery can be modulated by inhibiting the effects of MMPs. Inhibition of MMP significantly improved surgical outcome by reducing the amount of scar tissue produced. By targeting the actions of these proteolytic enzymes, a more controlled and physiological method of modulating scarring may be achieved.
Dr. T.T. Wong, Wound Healing Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. tina.wong@ucl.ac.uk
Classification:
12.8.10 Woundhealing antifibrosis (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.8 Filtering surgery)
