The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR): role in corneal wound healing and homeostasis.

摘要: To evaluate the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in corneal epithelial wound healing, effect an EGFR inhibitor on cell proliferation and stratification during healing was investigated. From 3 days prior to wounding until complete, rats were systemically treated with either tyrosine kinase (ZD1839) at 40 mg kg(-1) day(-1)or 80 day(-1), or vehicle only (control). A single made center 66 rat corneas, using a 6.0 mm glass tube wrapped tissue paper soaked n-heptanol. Subsequently, each photographed measured by computer-assisted digitizer every 12 hr. determine number cells S phase, entire corneas labelled (3)H-thymidine subjected autoradiography 0, 12, 24 48 hr after wounding. Epithelial thickness also these time points microscopy. significantly dose-dependently delayed following administration ZD1839. At wounding, S-phase limbal epithelium lower both groups compared control group (P < 0.05). In cornea before (0 hr) post-wounding, less controls These results indicate that inhibition affects may play maintaining normal thickness.