Objective: To describe the effect of alpha-tocopherol derivatives (acetate and acid-succinate) on the histopathological characteristics of the surgical 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 subconjunctivally 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) 100 microg alph-tocopherol-acetate in 0.75% ethanol in BSS; Group 3 (n = 10) 100 microg alpha-tocopheryl-acid-succinate in 0.75% ethanol in BSS. Histological findings were evaluated 30 days after surgery.
Results: The groups treated with alpha-tocopherol derivatives showed a higher percentage of persistence of the fistula and better intraocular pressure (IOP) control.
Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol derivatives showed antiproliferative properties in this experimental model of filtering surgery.