Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Corneal Alkali Burn Ulcer in Rabbits

Abstract

Objective of this study to assess the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of extensive corneal ulcers in albino rabbits with two different administration techniques. A total of 24 rabbits were used in this study. After collecting intracardiac blood samples, platelet-rich plasma was obtained by double centrifugation. Alkali burns were inflicted on the central corneas of all rabbits using a sterile swab soaked in 1 M NaOH for 60s. Only Left eye in each rabbit was used. Animals were divided into 4 groups. GroupI (n=6) normal control group received PRP drop twice daily with 8-h intervals for 7 successive days. whereas group II (n = 6) did not receive any treatment and served as the control untreated group. The third group (n = 6) received only oneshot of subconjunctival PRP. The fourth group (n=6) received PRP drop twice daily with 8-h intervals for 7 successive days. Corneal histopathology was investigated for epithelial regeneration, presence of inflammation, and structural integrity of fibroblasts. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviations. Data from experimental groups were statically analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Turkey's post hoc multiple comparisons tests using the GraphPad Prism software version 5 (San Diego, CA, USA) and P<0.05 was used to define statistically significant differences between the groups. Group III had a significantly high rate (P<0.05) of corneal epithelial healing as compared with the control group. Group IV had moderate restoration of corneal epithelium defects. Group III had a significantly better healing process after the fifth day as compared with group IV. Histopathological investigations revealed a steady fibroblast migration, quicker epithelial regeneration, and less inflammation in group III as compared with the other treated groups. A single dose of subconjunctival PRP injection had an effective alleviating effect on alkali-induced corneal burn rather than PRP drops