alpha-Chymotrypsin; its effect on the rabbit zonule, lens capsule, and corneal wound healing.

In May, 1958, Barraquer introduced α-chymotrypsin as a zonulolytic agent to facilitate intracapsular cataract extraction.1Other reports have substantiated his observations of this enzyme.2-4As with any new agent, many questions need to be answered before more extensive use of the enzyme can be recommended in an operative procedure that normally offers a good prognosis. Some of these questions are the following: Does the drug really do what it is supposed to do, and, if so, is it selective in action? Are there any dangers of increased complications because of the nature or action of the drug? For example, is wound healing affected, suture material weakened, or inflammation increased? It is the purpose of this presentation to report on an investigation of some of these problems. The zonule of many domestic animals, including the rabbit, is very tough. This probably is due in part to the species of