Topical application of calcitonin gene-related peptide as a regenerative, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory therapy for corneal injury.
Commun Biol
; 7(1): 264, 2024 Mar 04.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38438549
ABSTRACT
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a multifunctional neuropeptide abundantly expressed by corneal nerves. Using a murine model of corneal mechanical injury, we found CGRP levels in the cornea significantly reduced after injury. Topical application of CGRP as an eye drop accelerates corneal epithelial wound closure, reduces corneal opacification, and prevents corneal edema after injury in vivo. CGRP promotes corneal epithelial cell migration, proliferation, and the secretion of laminin. It reduces TGF-ß1 signaling and prevents TGF-ß1-mediated stromal fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. CGRP preserves corneal endothelial cell density, morphology, and pump function, thus reducing corneal edema. Lastly, CGRP reduces neutrophil infiltration, macrophage maturation, and the production of inflammatory cytokines in the cornea. Taken together, our results show that corneal nerve-derived CGRP plays a cytoprotective, pro-regenerative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory role in corneal wound healing. In addition, our results highlight the critical role of sensory nerves in ocular surface homeostasis and injury repair.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Corneal Edema
/
Corneal Injuries
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Commun Biol
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States