AIM: To investigate therapeutic efficiency of amniotic extraction on dry eye in rabbit model induced by topical benzalkonium chloride(BAC).

METHODS: Totally 26 rabbits(26 right eyes)with dry eye model were studied and divided into two groups: group A(control group with PBS eye drops, n=13)and group B(amniotic extraction group, n=13). Another two rabbits were chosen as normal control.The Schirmer Ⅰ tests(SⅠt)and corneal fluorescein staining(FL)were made, and the tear total protein content, amylase activity, lactoferrin, lysozyme contents, goblet cell density were performed in two groups before treatment and 1, 2, 4 and 8 wk after treatment.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in SIT, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density among different groups at different time points(P<0.05). But, there was no significant differences in SⅠt, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density between two groups before treatment(P>0.05). After 8wks' treatment with PBS, the mean differences of the group A showed great changes in SⅠt, lysozyme and goblet cell density compared with those before treatment(P<0.05); but there was no significant differences in FL scores compared with those before treatment(P>0.05). As for group B, 8wks after treatment, there were statistical changes in SⅠt, FL, lysozyme(P<0.05); but there was no significant differences in goblet cell density compared with those before treatment(P>0.05). It was evident that statistical differences were observed in SⅠt, FL scores, lysozyme activity and goblet cell density between two groups at each time point(P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity at different time points(P>0.05). Meanwhile there was no significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity between two groups before treatment(P>0.05). But there were significant differences in total protein, lactoferrin, amylase activity between two groups after 4 and 8 wks' treatment(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Amniotic extraction has significant therapeutic effect on the dry eye in rabbit model.