Effects of the COOH-terminal tripeptide alpha-MSH(11-13) on corneal epithelial wound healing: role of nitric oxide
Bonfiglio V, Camillieri G, Avitabile T, et al. (2006). Experimental Eye Research.
Summary
Examined topical KPV, the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH, on corneal healing in rabbits whose corneal epithelium had been mechanically removed. Eyes treated with KPV, and eyes treated with a nitric oxide donor, closed the epithelial defect faster than eyes given vehicle, with all treated corneas fully re-covered by 60 hours while none of the placebo corneas were. Pre-treating with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blocked the effect, which the authors take as evidence that nitric oxide is involved. A rabbit study with a cell-culture component; no human data.