The aim of the present study was to investigate the corneal protective and healing properties of arabinogalactan (AG), a natural polysaccharide present in conifers of the genus Larix (Larch). AG was tested in comparison with other two polysaccharides possessing well-established properties in the treatment of dry eye: tamarind seed polysaccharide and hyaluronic acid. Methods: The AG formulation was subjected to the following investigations: rheologic measurements; evaluation of mucoadhesive properties by rheologic interaction with mucin; ferning test; and in vivo evaluation on rabbits, including treatment of an experimental dry eye; evaluation of the preocular retention; and evaluation of healing rate of experimental corneal wound. Results: AG dispersions showed a newtonian nonviscous behavior, eta=1.6 mPa center dot s for 10% w/w solution; it possessed good mucoadhesive properties useful for retention on the eye surface. In fact, a prolonged time of residence in rabbit eyes was ascertained using fluorescein-labeled AG. Five percent (5.0%) w/w AG exerted a good protective effect against the appearance of corneal dry spots. It also reduced significantly the healing time of an experimental corneal lesion since 27 h after the first treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that AG may be a potential therapeutic product for dry eye protection and for the treatment of corneal wounds.
Larch arabinogalactan for dry eye protection and treatment of corneal lesions: investigation in rabbits / S. BURGALASSI; N. NICOSIA; D. MONTI; G. FALCONE; E. BOLDRINI; CHETONI P. - In: JOURNAL OF OCULAR PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. - ISSN 1080-7683. - STAMPA. - 23:6(2007), pp. 541-549.
Autori interni: | BURGALASSI, SUSI (Primo) |
Autori: | S. BURGALASSI; N. NICOSIA; D. MONTI; G. FALCONE; E. BOLDRINI; CHETONI P |
Titolo: | Larch arabinogalactan for dry eye protection and treatment of corneal lesions: investigation in rabbits |
Anno del prodotto: | 2007 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | 10.1089/jop.2007.0048 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.1 Articolo in rivista |