Purpose: To explore the role of a natural polysaccharide extracted from tamarind seed (xyloglucan, or tamarind seed polysaccharide, TSP) on the integrin-substrate recognition system and on repair of corneal wounds.
Methods: a) Cultured human conjunctival cells were labeled by addition of a tritiated amino acid mixture. Their adhesion to laminin-coated culture wells in the absence or presence of TSP was checked by radioactivity count. b) The corneal epithelium of albino rabbits was damaged by applying a paper disc soaked with n-heptanol. The eyes were then treated with TSP, with a hyaluronate reference formulation and with normal saline solution (controls). The diameter of corneal wounds was measured daily, after fluorescein staining.
Results: Compared to hyaluronate, TSP slightly but significantly increased the wound healing rate. TSP 1.0% exerted a positive influence on cell adhesion to laminin, up to a certain laminin concentration.
Conclusions: The ability of the polysaccharide to promote corneal wound healing might depend on its influence on the integrin recognition system.