Volume 3 No. 3, July 2008

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 on Rabbit's Conjunctiva after Glaucoma Filtering Operation: A Histological and Immuno-Histochemical Study

Doaa A. Haiba1 & El-Sayed S. Arafa2

Departments of Anatomy1 & Ophthalmology2, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
Tanta Med. Sc. J 2008; 3(3):66-86
Article type: Original article

Background/Aim: Glaucoma filtering operation was performed to maintain a patent fistula connecting the anterior chamber of the eye with the sub-conjunctival space. Medical treatment was sometimes used after the operation to control the intraocular pressure. This work aimed to study the possible effects of topical ß-blocker, betaxolol, and prostaglandin F2a analogue, latanoprost, on rabbit's conjunctiva after glaucoma filtering operation using immunohistochemical (MMP-3), light and transmission electron microscopes. Material & Methods: Twenty five New Zealand albino rabbits were used and divided into two groups, control and experimental. Control group consisted of five rabbits and the experimental group consisted of twenty rabbits. In the latter group, both eyes of the twenty rabbits were subjected to glaucoma filtering operation. Right eyes were served as sham operated group (subgroup II A). While the left ones were divided into two equal subgroups (B & C) and subjected to topical treatment, betaxolol and latanoprost respectively, twice daily for four weeks after the operation. Results: In subgroup II A, the lining epithelium of the conjunctiva was thickened and active fibroblast surrounded by clusters of collagen fibrils were seen. MMP-3 reaction was positive in the epithelium and stroma. In subgroup II B, the lining epithelium still showed thickening. The stroma revealed excess dense and compact collagen fibrils surrounding active fibroblast. The epithelium and the stroma showed less positive stain for MMP-3. In subgroup II C, normal thickening of the lining epithelium was retained and inhibitory changes of the fibroblasts were observed. Loose collagen fibrils were observed in the stroma. Marked positive reaction with MMP- 3 was noticed in the epithelium and in the stroma.Conclusion: latanoprost showed less adverse effects on the rabbit's conjunctiva and over-expression of MMP-3 enzyme that can remodel fibrosis and lead to survival of glaucoma filtering operation in comparison with betaxolol.

ICID 871174