Natural complex of cytokines is a potent stimulant to posttraumatic regeneration in rabbit cornea.

ABSTRACT

We elaborated an original technique based on local application of natural complex of cytokines (NCC) secreted by autologous peripheral leukocytes. In this study, we evaluated NCC influence on the healing of penetrating corneal wounds. NCC was derived from supernatants of PHA-stimulated rabbit peripheral leukocytes. Biological tests revealed the presence of IL-1, TNF, IL-6, MIF, and LIF in the complex. Chinchilla rabbits with standard penetrating corneal wounds received daily NCC instillation. The controls were instilled with cultural media 199 with antibiotics. At 24 hours, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days post-wounding, the rabbits were euthanized. We performed morphometry of corneal cross-sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In NCC-treated animals, we observed more vigorous migration and activation of neutrophils and macrophages followed by augmented resorption of fibrin. The later post-injury period (14-30 days) was marked with complete healing of the endothelial defect (in the controls, the mass of proliferating cells projected into the anterior eye chamber) and mature scar tissue with a higher content of fibrous component. NCC-treated eye scars were 1.6-fold thinner than the controls'. Local application of NCC promotes effective healing of posttraumatic cornea. It regulates all stages of regeneration and prevents rude scarring.