HSP47 expression in cornea after excimer laser photoablation.

PURPOSE The expression of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) was observed histologically to investigate the spatial and chronological effects of excimer laser photoablation. HSP47 expression after radial keratotomy (RK) was also investigated and compared with the effects after excimer laser photoablation. METHOD Twenty-eight male rabbits were used. The rabbits were divided with two groups and treated with either excimer laser photoablation or four radial incisions to simulate corneal refractive surgery. The chronological and spatial changes in the expression of HSP47 were observed immunohistochemically. RESULTS In eyes that underwent excimer laser photoablation, HSP47 was detected in the basal layer of the epithelial cells and in the superficial stromal layer 3 days after surgery. After 5 and 7 days, HSP47 expression extended to the deep layer of the stroma and to the endothelial cells. After 14 days, HSP47 was detected only in the deep layer of the stroma and in the endothelial cells. After 28 days, HSP47 expression was reduced. In eyes that underwent RK, HSP47 was detected in the basal layer of the epithelial cells and in the stroma surrounding the wound 1 day after surgery. After 3 and 7 days, HSP47 expression did not expand further. After 28 days, HSP47 expression diminished. CONCLUSIONS Excimer laser photoablation affects the whole layer of the cornea, and may be caused by the shock wave that occurs as a result of photoablation. In addition, interaction among the keratocytes may propagate the stress-induced response to the whole layer of the cornea. With RK, the wound is smaller and deeper. HSP47 expression occurs earlier, but is limited to the area surrounding the wound.