Chitosan membrane on nonpenetrating filtering in rabbits

Objective: To evaluate effects of chitosan membrane on nonpenetrating filtrating surgery （NPFS） in rabbits. Methods: Chitosan membrane extracted from shell of snow-crab was made. New Zealand albino rabbits were 20 cases （40 eyes） were divided randomly into 2 groups, and 20 eyes were used in group A and B respectively. The NPFS was performed in group A and B. Chitosan implant was used in group A. Clinical observation was performed including wound healing, inflammatory reaction, filtering and IOP. Pathological examination were taken from two eyes each group at 1,4,8,12 and 20 weeks, respectively. Results: During experiment, no obvious side effects were noticed in group A and B before surgery.But there were obvious different effects at 20 weeks,IOP was （1.53±0.23）kPa in group A and （1.97±0.34）kPa in group B. Pathological examination showed that the chitosan implant was well biocompatible. Partial fracture and absorption of chitosan implant was noticed at 20 weeks. Conclusion: Chitosan may decrease effectively IOP for animals and was suitable materials for NPFS implants.