Platelet Rich Plasma versus Ascorbic Acid as a Possible Treatment for Alkali-Induced Corneal Burn in Adult Male Albino Rats [Histological and Ultrastructural Study]

Background: Chemical ocular burns are the main ophthalmic emergencies which need immediate examination and intensive care. Alkali corneal burn is considered a defect in the corneal epithelium, in addition to stromal inflammation, loss of corneal stroma, or both. Aim: to compare the potential therapeutic benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus ascorbic acid on sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corneal burn in rats. Materials and Methods: our study included 32 adult rats, which were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control. Group II: (Alkali corneal burn) alkali corneal burn was induced in right eyes. Group III (Alkali burn & ascorbic acid): received ascorbic acid (AA) eye drops twice daily. Group IV (Alkali burn and PRP): received PRP eye drops twice daily. Seven days after burn induction, right corneas were dissected out and were processed for H&E, Masson’s trichrome, PAS, and transmission electron microscopic examination. Results: The corneal sections showed strong histopathological changes with the surface epithelium appeared disorganized with areas of focal discontinuity, widely separated and disorganized stromal collagen fibers. Masson trichrome stain showed disorganized and widely separated greenish collagen fibers. There was weak PAS positive reaction of Bowman’s and Descemet’s membranes in group II. Group III showed some histological improvement with still widely separated stromal collagen fibers with moderate PAS reaction. Group IV showed histological structural restoration of normal cornea. PAS showed almost strong reactivity in the Bowman’s and Descemet’s membranes. Their thickness markedly increased compared to group III. Conclusion: PRP is better and more efficient than AA in healing alkali corneal burns in adult albino rats.