AIM: To compare the effect of using autologous serum and deproteinised calf serum eye gel in the treatment of corneal alkali burn through establishing corneal alkali burn models.

METHODS: Alkali burn model of cornea was established on the right eyes by putting the filter paper with 1.0mol/L NaOH on the center cornea for 1min in 30 white rabbits. The model rabbits were divided randomly into 3 groups after scoring based on Hughes criteria. Normal saline, calf blood deproteinized eye gel and autologous serum eye drops 4 times/day, atropine eye gel 1 times/night, ofloxacin eye gel 1 times/night for 2wk respectively. The morphology of corneal neovascularization was observed on the 7 and 14d, and the area was calculated. On the 14d, the corneas of each group were removed and routine histopathological examinations were performed according to the groups. The concentration of CD45, IL-10, IFN-γ and VEGF in corneal homogenate were determined.

RESULTS:Area of corneal neovascularization: on the 7 and 14d, the area of corneal neovascularization of Group DCS(29.48±2.27, 34.19±2.67mm²), AS(34.19±2.67, 33.89±2.74mm²)(P>0.05). Concentration of CD45, IL-10, IFN-γ, VEGF in cornea homogenate(pg/mL): on the 14th day, the concentration of CD45 Group DCS(0.56±0.04ng/mL), AS(0.54±0.05ng/mL)P<0.05). The concentration of IL-10 Group AS(452.49±11.40pg/mL)>Group DCS>(332.49±13.67pg/mL)>Group Ctrl(111.05±6.95pg/mL)(P<0.05). The Concentration of IFN-γ Group DCS(23.20±2.89pg/mL), AS(22.61±2.72pg/mL)P<0.05). The concentration of VEGF Group DCS(151.14±18.21pg/mL), AS(149.11±14.75pg/mL)P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:AS has the same effect as DCS in inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors(CD45, IFN-gamma and VEGF)and the formation of corneal neovascularization after alkali burn in rabbits, and AS has the strongest effect in promoting the release of anti-inflammatory factors(IL-10)and inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells, followed by DCS.