[An experimental research of recombinant human epidermal growth factor on corneal wound healing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) eye drops on corneal wound healing. METHODS: Twenty-four white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, 6 rabbits 12 eyes each. Anterior keratectomy of 8 mm in diameter and 1/3 cornea in thickness was performed on each eye. Each of the following concentrations of rhEGF: 1, 10, 100 microg/ml eye drops or normal saline (control) was applied four times daily for a week respectively for one group. The wound area was determined by computer imaging analysis. RESULTS: The mean epithelial healing rate of rhEGF 1, 10, 100 microg/ml groups was 9.31, 9.96, 9.31 mm(2)/day respectively, significantly greater than 8.11 mm(2)/day of the control group. The action of rhEGF of 10 microg/ml was somewhat better than that of 1 or 100 microg/ml, and no significant difference was noticed among the three rhEGF groups. Moderate inflammation and corneal neovascularization were induced in the rhEGF 100 microg/ml treated group. CONCLUSION: rhEGF 1 - 10 microg/ml can accelerate corneal wound healing in the rabbit with no adverse side-effects. It may be used to treat serious corneal trauma and ulcer clinically.