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Enzymatic activity of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the alkali-burned rabbit cornea

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Abstract

Rabbit eyes burned with 1 N NaOH were studied for enzymatic activity by biochemical methods. The activity of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (E.C. 3.2.1.50), one of the hydrolases, was found to be significantly increased in corneal epithelium and stroma 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after alkali burns. The increase in enzyme activity seemed to be in correlation with the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) infiltration of the stroma, as found by histopathologic studies. Therefore the PMNs might be the source of the increasing activity of this enzyme after alkali burns.

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Author notes

  1. V. Chayakul

    Present address: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Haadyai, Thailand

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule, Goethestr. 27/29, D-5100, Aachen, Federal Republic of Germany

    V. Chayakul & M. Reim

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  1. V. Chayakul
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  2. M. Reim
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Dr. Chayakul is the recipient of a research grant from the German Academic Exchange Service.

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Chayakul, V., Reim, M. Enzymatic activity of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the alkali-burned rabbit cornea. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 218, 149–152 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02215653

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02215653

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