Hyaluronic Acid

Product Description

Mechanism of Action

Functions as a tissue lubricant and is thought to play an important role in modulating the interactions between adjacent tissues. Sodium Hyaluronate is a polysaccharide which is distributed widely in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue in man. It forms a Viscoelastic solution in water which makes it suitable for aqueous and vitreous humor in ophthalmic surgery. Mechanical protection for tissues (iris, retina) and cell layers (corneal, endothelium, and epithelium) are provided by the high viscosity of the solution. Elasticity of the solution assists in absorbing mechanical stress and providing a protective buffer for tissues. This viscoelasticity enables maintenance of a deep chamber during surgical manipulation since the solution does not flow out of the open anterior chamber. In facilitating wound healing, it is thought that it acts as a protective transport vehicle, taking peptide growth factors and other structural proteins to a site of action. It is then enzymatically degraded and active proteins are released to promote tissue repair. Sodium hyaluronate is being used intra-articularly to treat osteoarthritis. To remain healthy, all cartilage, regardless of type, needs the proteoglycans found in all connective tissues to attract and maintain water molecules; A collagenous mesh in which to bind the proteoglycans; And plenty of water.