The effect of hyaluronic acid on keratocyte proliferation
Hosomi, M.; Katakami, C.; Yamamoto, M.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 100(6): 448-452
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 8712076 Document Number: 460336
Our previous study demonstrated that during healing of penetrating corneal incision, hyaluronic acid (HA) appears at the wound area with massive infiltration of activated keratocytes, suggesting a possible role of HA in keratocyte proliferation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HA on keratocyte proliferation. A penetrating incision was made in the center of rabbit corneas. Wounded corneas were treated with HA eye drops or physiological saline every 2 hours for 24 hours. Then the corneas were excised, labeled with 3H-thymidine for 4 hours, and subjected to autoradiography. Rabbit keratocytes were cultured in chamber slides in TC199 medium alone or in TC199 containing HA for 24 hours, labeled with 3H-thymidine for 4 hours, and subjected to autoradiography. In the corneas treated with HA, the number of keratocytes incorporating 3H-thymidine was significantly higher than in the control corneas. The rate of 3H-thymidine uptake in keratocytes cultured with any concentration of HA was higher than that of the control. Both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated stimulatory effect of HA on keratocyte proliferation. It is possible that HA might promote corneal stromal wound healing by stimulating keratocyte proliferation.