THE EFFECT OF HYALURONIDASE INJECTION ON THE VITREOUS HUMOUR OF THE RABBIT

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Injn. of hyaluronidase into the vitreous causes a prolonged inflammatory reaction noticeable in the aqueous within 2 hrs. and in the vitreous within 24 hrs. Part of this reaction is unrelated to the enzyme and probably follows the sudden increase of tension within the vitreous at the time of injn. The state of aggregation of the vitreous is measured by adding the filtrate of vitreous to acid acetone. Normally a small fibrous precipitate is formed, but after injn. of the vitreous with hyaluronidase a cloud is formed, which sometimes changes into a flocculent precipitate. This disaggregation of the vitreous persists for 4-6 wks. and then the condition reverts to normal. This shows that hyaluronic acid is continually being produced in the living eye. Injn. of the enzyme causes a 50% fall in intraocular pressure within 24 hrs., but the normal pressure is recorded within 9 days.