Role of nicergoline in corneal wound healing in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of nicergoline on the rate of complete corneal ulcer reepithelialization (CCUR) in diabetic rats with diabetic keratopathy. METHODS: Forty-eight streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (n = 24) received nicergoline (10 mg.kg(− 1).day(− 1)), while the control group (n = 24) received a placebo. A corneal epithelial defect was induced using a corneal diamond burr, and defect area was compared at time points of 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the injury using image analysis software. The probability of CCUR within 72 h was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis log-rank test. RESULTS: When compared, 4 of the 24 rats (17%) in the placebo group and 12 of the 24 rats (50%) in the nicergoline group were found to have CCUR within 72 h (log-rank = 0.027). Cox regression analysis found no effect of the covariates blood glucose (P = 0.601) or weight (P = 0.322) on the corneal reepithelialization (survival) curve. CONCLUSIONS: Nicergoline increased wound healing rates relative to placebo and may therefore be investigated as a treatment option in diabetic keratopathy.