Purpose: To evaluate healing of experimental corneal ulcer of rabbit eyes terated with homologous amniotic membrane (AM) graft. Methods: 18 rabbits were used and divided into two experimental groups: corneal ulcer (G1) and corneal ulcer treated with AM graft (G2). Corneal ulcer was induced by a total epithelial removal using a scalpel and absolute alcohol. The animals were sacrificed at three experimental moments: 7 days (M1), 15 days (M2) and 30 days (M3) after the induction of the ulceration. Corneal defects were evaluated with image analyzer Luzex-F and histopathologic examinations and the results were compared through variance analysis. Results: Morphometric results showed corneal ulcer in G2 at M1; corneal opacity was identified in the central area and was significantly larger in G1 at M3. New corneal vessels were more active in the G1 animals. Histopathologic evaluation revealed epithelial defects in two animals of G1 at M2, and in two of G2 at M1; stromal edema was more intense in G1, as well as the presence of new vessels. Conclusion: The use of homologous MA in the treatment of experimental corneal ulcer did not accelerate epithelial healing but it prevented stromal edema and new vessel formation. Epithelial healing was poorer in the central region of the cornea.
Corneal ulcer; Amniotic membrane; Corneal cicatrization
