The effect of sinomenine eye drops on experimental dry eye in mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of topical sinomenine (SIN) on ocular surface damage in experimental dry eye in mice. Material and methods Experimental dry eye was created using scopolamine hydrobromide in female C57BL/6 mice. Eye drops consisting of 0.05%, or 0.1% SIN or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were applied to the experimental dry eye in mice. Tear product and corneal staining scores were measured at 7 and 14 days after treatment. Interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the SIN groups at 14 days after treatment were compared with those of other groups. Results Mice treated with 0.05% or 0.1% SIN showed a significant improvement in tear product and corneal irregularity compared to the control and PBS-treated groups. A significant decrease in the levels of IL-1βand TNF-α was observed in the 0.05% and 0.01% SIN-treated groups. Conclusions Topical SIN eye drop application can effectively improve clinical signs and decrease inflammation in the ocular surface, and alleviate ocular surface damage in dry eye.