The effects of oral vitamin A (retinol) on chemically–induced corneal ulcer in guinea pigs

Authors

  • Dr. Igwe S.A. College of Medicine, Enugu State University ofScience and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
  • Nwobodo N.N Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Okoloekwe R.C. Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Okoloekwe R.C. Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Chike I.C. Abia State University, Uturu Nigeria

Keywords:

Alkali injury, corneal ulcer, retinol, wound healing

Abstract

The effects of the healing propensity of vitamin A (retinol), a vital micro-nutrient were studied on chemically– induced corneal ulcers in guinea pigs. Corneal regeneration following alkaline injury was studied by fluorescent dye staining of the cornea under cobalt blue light, while digital photographs were taken every 6 hours. Results showed that administration of vitamin A syrup reversed the epithelial damage, produced accelerated wound healing, restored the eyelid status, light-reflex and corneal lustre, abolished corneal infiltrates and lacrimation in the treated group while the positive control (untreated) group had slow healing process as the ulceration continued unhindered. It is, therefore, concluded that vitamin A administered systemically facilitates the rate of epithelial regeneration in the cornea following traumatic injury or damage.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Igwe S.A., College of Medicine, Enugu State University ofScience and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Nwobodo N.N, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine

Okoloekwe R.C., Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Civil Engineering

Okoloekwe R.C., Enugu State, University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Civil Engineering

Chike I.C., Abia State University, Uturu Nigeria

Department of Optometry

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Published

2016-06-30

How to Cite

Dr. Igwe S.A., Nwobodo N.N, Okoloekwe R.C., Okoloekwe R.C., & Chike I.C. (2016). The effects of oral vitamin A (retinol) on chemically–induced corneal ulcer in guinea pigs. Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences, 3(2), 179–184. Retrieved from https://apjhs.com/index.php/apjhs/article/view/655