Alpha-tocopherol derivatives and wound healing in an experimental model offiltering surgery

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of alpha-tocopherol derivatives (acetate and acid-succinate) on the histopathological characteristics of the surgica l fistula in an experimental model of filtering surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty pigmented rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Twenty-four hours before surgery the animals were injected subconjunctival ly with 0.5 mL of solution that depended on the group of treatment: Group 1 (n = 10) 0.75% ethanol in balanced salt solution (BSS); Group 2 (n = 10) 1 00 mu g alpha-tocopherol-acetate in 0.75% ethanol in BSS; Group 3 (n = 10) 100 mu g alpha-tocopheryl-acid-succinate in 0.75% ethanol in BSS. Histologi cal findings were evaluated 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The groups treated with alpha-tocopherol derivatives showed a high er percentage of persistence of the fistula and better intraocular pressure (IOP) control. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-tocopherol derivatives showed antiproliferative properti es in this experimental model of filtering surgery.