Inhibition of intraocular fibrin formation with annexin V

Abstract

Annexin V is a member of the calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins, known to have an antithrombotic effect. For the first time, we have tested its ability to prevent intraocular postoperative fibrin formation in a standardised rabbit model and compared its effect with that of heparin. Annexin V, 20 μg and 60 ,μg, injected in the anterior chamber postoperatively, significantly reduced the area of the fibrin clot and its time to clearing. Annexin V appeared to be as efficient as heparin. It probably acts by preventing phospholipids from playing their role in the coagulation cascade which leads to fibrin formation. Furthermore, annexin V has an anti-inflammatory effect by protecting phospholipids from phospholipase A2 activity. Therefore, annexin V might be considered as a new therapeutic agent acting both on fibrin formation and inflammatory processes.