Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The research has found that chitosan can inhibit the scar formation in glaucoma surgery. However, there is not yet a clear report whether chitosan can prevent and slow the formation of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of chitosan on traumatic PVR in rabbits and its mechanism.
METHODS: Rabbit traumatic PVR model was made by intravitreal injection of platelet-rich plasma. Subsequently, the rabbit vitreous body received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL normal saline, 5%, 10% and 15% chitosan. The preventive and therapeutic effect of chitosan on traumatic PVR was examined at different time points. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the control group, the retina was detached after 10 days; the PVR had progressed to high stage over time. In chitosan group, the PVR also developed; however, the severity of PVR in chitosan group was lower than that in control group. The clinical grading of traumatic PVR in 10% and 15% chitosan group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 5 days after injection (P < 0.05). Histological examination showed that there was no obvious morphological change of the retina in chitosan group. Intravitreal injection of chitosan is a safe and effective mean to reduce the development of traumatic PVR.