Received: March 20, 2007.

Accepted: June 13, 2007.

Abstract published online: June 15, 2007.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2007

USE OF FIBRIN GLUE DERIVED FROM SNAKE VENOM IN THE REPAIR OF DEEP CORNEAL ULCERS – EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN DOGS

(Canis familiaris, LINNAEUS, 1758)

SAMPAIO R. L. (1), RANZANI J. J. T. (2), BRANDÃO C. V. S. (2), THOMAZINI-SANTOS I. A. (3), BARRAVIERA B. (4), BARRAVIERA S. R. C. S. (5), GIANNINI M. J. S. M. (6)

(1) Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Uberaba University (UNIUBE), Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil; (2) Department of Veterinary Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (3) Laboratory of Hemostasis, Blood Center, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (4) Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (5) Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, FMB, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (6) Department of Clinical Analysis, Araraquara School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Fibrin glue has been researched as an alternative method for tissue synthesis and is known for its capability to promote hemostasis at the application site, good approximation of wound edges and fast healing. The current study consisted in the application of fibrin glue derived from snake venom as treatment for experimental corneal ulcers. Twenty-one dogs had their corneas experimentally prepared through lamellar keratectomy (of standardized diameter and depth). Animals were divided into seven groups of three animals each. Six experimental groups were periodically evaluated and collection was carried out on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th post-operative days, whereas one control group was evaluated throughout the experiment. Analyses consisted in the clinical evolution and in the histopathological study of all operated on eyes. Results indicated that fibrin glue was efficient in repairing keratectomy wounds in dogs and contributed to an earlier healing phenomenon, avoiding edema formation and keeping corneal clearness. The use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom showed to be easy to apply, feasible with animal models and of low cost, avoiding the lesion progress and allowing fast and appropriate corneal healing.

KEY WORDS: fibrin glue, snake venom, cornea, corneal ulcer, keratoplasty.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

RENATO LINHARES SAMPAIO, Avenida Afrânio Azevedo, 2140, Olinda, 38020-450, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Email: renato.sampaio@uniube.br.