Abstract
Abstract Purpose The outcome of trabeculectomy can be diminished due to a decreased bleb function secondary to blood/ fibrin clot in the aqueous outflow pathway. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the administration of Microplasmin (ThromboGenics), a recombinant protein that dissolves clot and fibrin, could lead to a better maintenance of the constructed channel, and thus improve surgical outcome after trabeculectomy. Methods The effect of Microplasmin will be investigated in vivo in a mouse model for conjunctival fibrosis and in a rabbit model for glaucoma surgery. Postoperative follow up of the animals will take place daily during the first week and two‐daily until they are scarified. On specific time points animals will be sacrificed and both eyes will be enucleated. Seven‐µm thin slides will be (immuno‐)stained for CD45 to evaluate inflammation and for Sirius red and Trichrome to evaluate fibrosis. Results Preliminary results showed that Microplasmin significantly improved glaucoma surgery outcome in the rabbit model of aggressive scarring compared to control. Conclusion Our proposed research project will elucidate the potential role of Microplasmin in the improvement of filtration surgery outcome, and will highlight any anti‐clotting, anti‐inflammatory, and/or anti‐fibrotic effects of this molecule. Microplasmin as an adjuvant therapy in glaucoma surgery might open new perspectives for more efficient surgery.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
