Effect of xyloglucan (tamarind seed polysaccharide) on conjunctival cell adhesion to laminin and on corneal epithelium wound healing

PURPOSE. To explore the role of a natural polysaccharide extracted from tam arind seed (xyloglucan, or tamarind seed polysaccharide, TSP) on the integr in-substrate recognition system and on repair of corneal wounds. METHODS. a) Cultured human conjunctival cells were labeled by addition of a tritiated amino acid mixture. Their adhesion to laminin-coated culture wel ls in the absence or presence of TSP was checked by radioactivity count, b) The corneal epithelium of albino rabbits was damaged by applying a paper d isc soaked with n-heptanol. The eyes were then treated with TSP, with a hya luronate reference formulation and with normal saline solution (controls). The diameter of corneal wounds was measured daily, after fluorescein staini ng. RESULTS. Compared to hyaluronate, TSP slighthly but significantly increased the wound healing rate. TSP 1.0% exerted a positive influence on cell adhe sion to laminin, up to a certain laminin concentration. CONCLUSIONS. The ability of the polysaccharide to promote corneal wound hea ling might depend on its influence on the integrin recognition system.