Uso de óleo de semente de linhaça no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite seca experimentalmente induzida em coelhos

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the linseed oil (OL) in different preparations (oral, topically, oral and topically combined) in the treatment of the kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (KCS) experimentally induced in rabbits. Twenty white male rabbits of the New Zeland race were used. They were divided in 4 groups of 5 animals each: Group C (Control); Group OLO (OL oral); Group OLT (OL topically); and Group OLOT (OL oral and topically). The rabbits were evaluated weekly by the Shirmer Tear Test (TLS), Flourescein Test (TF) and the Rose-Bengal Test (TRB), and a ocular impression cytology exam was done once a month, and at the end of the experiment the rabbits were sacrificed to a histopathological analysis. There was a significant improvement in the parameters analysed (TLS,TF and TRB) in all the groups that used OL, but there was differences in the performance of each group. In the TLS the groups OLO and OLT showed larger values than the OLOT group from the 7th week to the end of the experiment. In TF the group OLT reverted the incidence of corneal ulcers earlier than the other groups starting on the 5th week. In TRB, the group OLO and also the OLT showed normal values starting on the 9th week, while the group OLOT only on the last week. In the cytological findings the group OLT showed a more advanced stage of inflammation on the 4th and 8th week and also on the hispathological findings of this group showed a more advanced stage of edema, degeneration and necrosis than the other groups. It wasn´t observed any collateral damage due the use of OL. The results analyzed showed that the OL, topically or oral, was efficient on the treatment of CCS experimentally induced in rabbits and can be and excellent adjuvant, natural and safe, in the treatment of this illness