The effect of sinomenine eye drops on experimental dry eye in mice.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of topical sinomenine (SIN) on ocular surface damage in experimental dry eye in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental dry eye was created using scopolamine hydrobromide in female C57BL/6 mice. Eye drops consisting of 0.05%, or 0.1% SIN or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were applied to the experimental dry eye in mice. Tear product and corneal staining scores were measured at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the SIN groups at 14 days after treatment were compared with those of other groups. RESULTS: Mice treated with 0.05% or 0.1% SIN showed a significant improvement in tear product and corneal irregularity compared to the control and PBS-treated groups. A significant decrease in the levels of IL-1ßand TNF-α was observed in the 0.05% and 0.01% SIN-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Topical SIN eye drop application can effectively improve clinical signs and decrease inflammation in the ocular surface, and alleviate ocular surface damage in dry eye.