alpha-chymotrypsin and Corneal-Ulcer

Using a micro-electroimmune assay, the concentration of polymorphonuclear leucocyte neutral collagenolytic protease, serum-albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-2-macroglobulin were measured in the tear fluid from 18 eyes of 16 patients with severe, melting corneal ulcers. By this method, PML-c-ase was the first time detected in tear fluid. All proteins normalized during healing of the ulcer. The findings are indicative of an important role for PML-proteases in the degradation of the corneal stroma, and of a regulative effect of the serum antiproteases leaking into the tear fluid from inflamed conjunctival vessels.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; alpha-Macroglobulins; Chymotrypsin; Corneal Ulcer; Female; Humans; Male; Microbial Collagenase; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Protease Inhibitors; Serum Albumin; Tears

A therapy for recurrent erosions of the cornea with trypsin-chymotrypsin ointment is described. Impressed by the efficiency of the digestive enzymes, a theory on the development of recurrent erosions is presented. In cases of recurrent erosions, Bowman's membrane becomes coated with a fine layer of proteinic material which prevents a firm adhesion of the new epithelium on the membrane. Therefore blisters can form. When the surface of the membrane is cleaned by the digestive enzymes, the advancing epithelium will firmly adhere to its base.

Topics: Chymotrypsin; Corneal Ulcer; Drug Combinations; Humans; Ointments; Recurrence; Trypsin

Topics: Animals; Chymotrypsin; Corneal Ulcer; Drug Therapy; Rabbits; Research

Topics: Ammonium Compounds; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Chymotrypsin; Cocaine; Cornea; Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary; Corneal Ulcer; Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug Therapy; Edema; Epinephrine; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Keratitis; Keratoconjunctivitis; Mercury Compounds; Postoperative Complications; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Sutures; Tissue Adhesions; Toxicology

Topics: Chymotrypsin; Cornea; Corneal Ulcer; Humans; Neomycin; Polymyxins