Eosinophil granule major basic protein inhibition of corneal epithelial wound healing.

Human eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) was studied in an established organ culture model for rat corneal epithelial wound healing to elucidate further the role of the protein in vernal keratopathy.,Epithelial migration rates were tested for five MBP concentrations (10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 micrograms/ml MBP).,Significantly less epithelial migration than control (P < 0.05) was observed in all tested groups. Histologic examination revealed abnormally heaped-up leading epithelial edges in all test groups compared to the normal tapered edges in all controls. Immunofluorescence disclosed MBP deposition on deepithelialized cornea.,These results suggest that MBP may contribute to vernal corneal ulcerations by inhibiting corneal epithelial migration.