Effect of xyloglucan (tamarind seed polysaccharide) on conjunctival cell adhesion to laminin and on corneal epithelium wound healing

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 slighthly 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.