Effects of Cloricromene, a Coumarin Derivative, on Rabbit Dry Eye Model

The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effects of cloricrome, a new coumarin derivative, on dry eye model. Lacrimal gland inflammation-induced dry eye was performed by Concanavalin A (ConA) injection in rabbit, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), TNFα, IL-1β and IL-8 were evaluated. Tear film integrity was investigated by measuring tear volume and tear breakup time. Elevated levels of MMP-9 and cytokines were detected in the lacrimal gland 72 hours after ConA injection. Cloricromene was effective in this model, restoring tear function and inhibiting MMP-9 and cytokines formation in a dose-dependent manner. This study provides the first evidence that the new coumarin derivative cloricromene attenuates the degree of inflammation and tear film dysfunction in rabbits with experimental dry eye syndrome suggesting that this drug may be useful in clinical practice.