Histopathological evaluation of vitamin E derivatives effects on the healing process of a model of filtration surgery

PURPOSE: To describe the effect of alpha-tocopherol derivatives (acetate and acid succinate) on the histopathological characteristics of the surgical fistulae in an experimental model of filtering surgery. METHODS: 30 pigmented rabbits were randomly divided into 3 study groups. Twenty-four hours before surgery the animals were injected subconjunctivally with 0.5 ml of solution: group I (n=10) 0.75% ethanol in balanced saline solution (BSS), group II (n=10) 100 microgrs alpha-tocopherol acetate (AT) in 0.75% ethanol in BSS, group III (n=10) 100 microgrs alphatocopherol acid succinate (ST) in 0.75% ethanol in BSS. Histological findings were evaluated 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The groups treated with alpha-tocopherol derivatives showed a higher percentage of fistular persistence and smaller wound healing areas. There was a subconjunctival cellular infiltrate of mononuclear and eosinophilic cells. CONCLUSIONS: Histological findings support the clinical use of alpha tocopherol derivatives, AT and ST. to inhibit the wound healing processes associated to filtering surgery failure.