An Ex-Vivo, Whole-Globe Porcine Model of Corneoepithelial Wound Healing Tested Using Immunomodulatory Drugs

Background: An efficient epithelial wound healing is essential for the preservation of vision. Hence, the effects of novel topical drugs on the ocular surface must be ascertained before clinical use. We have tested the utility of an ex vivo, whole-globe porcine screening model to serve as a partial substitute for resource- and time-consuming animal experiments. Methods: Standardized corneoepithelial lesions, 5.0 mm in diameter and 40 µm in depth, were created with an Excimer laser in freshly enucleated porcine eyes. These were then exposed to control solutions (physiological saline (baseline), tissue-culture medium (positive control) and NH4 + (toxicity control)) and to three test agents (cyclosporin A, dexamethasone, and mitomycin C). The wound-healing response and toxic effects were monitored after 20–26 h by comparing lesion sizes. Results: According to baseline data obtained using physiological saline, tissue-culture medium improved wound healing. The highest doses of NH4 + (1 M) and mitomycin C (1.0 ...