Movement of fluorescein monoglucuronide in the rabbit cornea. Diffusion in the stroma and endothelial permeability

The movement of fluorescein monoglucuronide, a fluorescent metabolite of fluorescein, was studied in the rabbit cornea in vitro and in vivo. A stromal strip was exposed to fluorescein monoglucuronide, and the diffusion rate and the distribution in the stroma were measured every hr for 24 hr. The diffusion coefficient was 0.94 +/- 0.11 (+/- S.D.) X 10(-6) cm2/sec, and the saline/stroma distribution ratio was in a range of 0.67 to 0.69. The concentration of fluorescein monoglucuronide in the anterior chamber and the cornea was measured every hr for 8 hr following intravenous administration. The endothelial permeability was 4.7 +/- 1.0 X 10(-4) cm/min, and the aqueous/cornea distribution ratio was 0.56 +/- 0.05. It appears that the corneal endothelial permeability in the living eye determined hitherto from systemic administration of fluorescein is most likely the permeability to fluorescein monoglucuronide.     

The diffusion of fluorescein in the stroma of rabbit cornea

The diffusion rate and the distribution ratio of fluorescein in the stroma was studied in rabbit cornea. A strip of corneal stroma was mounted in a chamber and fluorescein in a phosphate buffer solution was circulated across the end of the strip for 24hr. The change in fluorescence intensity was measured along the strip and the diffusion coefficient was calculated using Fick's diffusion equation. The mean coefficient of diffusion was 1·21±0·24 (±s.d.) × 10^?6 cm²/sec at 19 °C. The ratio of fluorescence between the stroma and the solution was 1·34 to 1·33 for the concentrations ranging from 0·1 to 10 g/ml.     

应用GFP基因转染技术示踪组织工程技术构建角膜基质

目的 应用基因转染技术将绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)标记角膜基质绌胞，以此为种子细胞构建角膜基质并对构建过程进行示踪。方法 构建携带EGFP基因的重组逆转录病毒载体PLNCX2-EGFP，转染兔角膜基质细胞，然后将该细胞接种于PGA，形成细胞-生物材料复合物，移植于母兔角膜基质板层内。术后8周，组织学切片，HE染色，荧光显微镜下对绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)进行示踪观察。结果 8周后，组织工程化角膜组织形成，组织学切片显示PGA完全降解，新生组织形成，组织排列规整，荧光显微镜下见新生组织呈绿色，提示EGFP表达。结论 组织工程角膜基质的组织学结构与角膜基质相类似。新生组织表达GFP，证实组织工程角膜基质组织的构成源于供体细胞。     

组织工程技术构建兔角膜基质组织的实验研究

目的 探讨应用组织工程技术构建兔角膜基质层组织的可行性。方法 新西兰大白免40只,即母兔及其亲生子兔共20对。分离获取新生子兔角膜基质细胞,扩增、培养,汇合后,接种于聚羟基乙酸(PGA),形成细胞-生物材料复合物,移植于对应的母兔角膜基质层。绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)标记角膜基质细胞,示踪角膜基质构建过程。同时,对侧角膜仅行PGA移植,作为材料对照组。8周后取材,行组织学切片,Western blot检测Ⅰ型胶原及电镜下测定胶原纤维直径分布。结果术后8周,实验侧角膜逐渐恢复透明,形成新生角膜基质样组织,胶原与角膜表面平行,排列较整齐,组织学结构接近正常基质组织。实验组Western blot检测提示新生组织中基质细胞表达Ⅰ型胶原;电镜下胶原纤维直径[(29.0±4.7)nm]与正常角膜基质组织比较[(28.5±3.5)nm],差异无显著意义(P>0.05)。对照组正常角膜无新生基质组织形成。GFP标记角膜基质细胞,示踪角膜基质第8周时,荧光显微镜下可见新生组织呈绿色,提示GFP表达。结论 应用组织工程技术可以在兔受体角膜内构建角膜基质层组织。(中华眼科杂志,2004,40:517-521)     

Sodium activity in the aqueous humor and corneal stroma of the rabbit.

The present study examined the free sodium concentration of the aqueous humor and corneal stroma of both transparent and non-transparent corneas to assess the transendothelial activity gradient for sodium. In the transparent cornea of the adult rabbit, the sodium activity was higher in the aqueous humor than the stroma. This difference in sodium activity would cause water to diffuse down its concentration gradient from stroma to aqueous humor. In this way corneal transparency and the deturgesced state are maintained. Removal of the corneal endothelium in the adult rabbit produced an opaque swollen cornea. Under these conditions the sodium activity was higher in the stroma than the aqueous humor. However, an osmotic gradient was not produced by the Na+ activity gradient because the endothelium was not present to act as a semi-permeable membrane. The corneal endothelium was no longer present to establish and sustain the activity gradient for sodium that is necessary for corneal transparency in the mature rabbit. The transendothelial sodium activity gradient was also measured in 13-day-old rabbits. At this age, the cornea was not yet transparent, nevertheless the free sodium concentration of the aqueous humor was higher than that of the stroma, similar to the adult transparent cornea. This suggests that forces other than the establishment of the proper transendothelial sodium gradient are responsible for the lack of corneal transparency in the young rabbit.     

脱细胞猪角膜基质的生物相容性与组织工程化兔角膜上皮移植的研究

目的 探讨脱细胞猪角膜基质的生物相容性,评价组织工程化角膜上皮组织作供体的可行性,观察支架材料的细胞化情况和种子细胞的存活情况.方法 实验研究.采用完全随机化设计的方法,用Dispase-Triton-X-100处理猪角膜基质,脱去角膜细胞;以角膜基质囊袋内植入的方法,观察异种角膜基质植入后的生物相容性,A组:脱细胞猪角膜基质,B组:新鲜猪角膜基质,C组:空白对照组.以组织工程化雄性角膜上皮组织为供体,同种雌性为受体,作板层角膜移植,观察角膜的混浊、水肿、新生血管等情况;组织病理学和免疫组化方法检测支架材料的细胞化情况,Y染色体性别决定基因(SRY)-聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法追踪种子细胞的存活情况.结果 猪角膜基质植入兔角膜囊袋后,角膜逐渐恢复透明,排斥反应指数＜6,组织病理学观察角膜结构完整,胶原纤维平行排列,少许细胞长入脱细胞猪角膜基质边缘,各组免疫组化检测未见CIM+、CD8+T淋巴细胞浸润.组织工程化角膜上皮作异体板层角膜移植后,3～4 d上皮光滑,10～20 d变为透明;15 d时角膜上皮、基质、内皮完整,上皮细胞约4或5层结构,少许基质细胞长入支架,1个月时可见角膜上皮细胞约7或8层细胞,基质纤维排列规则,多量细胞长入脱细胞角膜基质.上皮细胞表达CK3,支架内新生细胞表达波形蛋白.SRY-PCR结果显示种子细胞可以在受体内长期存活.结论 脱细胞猪角膜基质生物相容性良好,组织工程化角膜上皮可作为板层角膜移植的供体,脱细胞猪角膜基质细胞化良好,种子细胞可以在受体内长期存活.     

组织工程角膜基质的体外构建及移植的实验研究

目的探讨利用组织工程技术体外构建角膜基质进行板层角膜移植的可行性和有效性。方法将猪角膜基质去细胞处理后制备成组织工程角膜基质载体;取幼兔角膜基质细胞体外培养,将其种植在载体上,体外构建成组织工程角膜基质,用PKH26荧光标记兔角膜基质细胞示踪角膜基质的构建;将16只兔的角膜基质内植入壳聚糖膜使之形成无菌性角膜溃疡,随机从16只兔中选8只,进行组织工程角膜基质移植;另外8只作为对照组,进行新鲜的同种异体兔板层角膜移植。术后对角膜进行裂隙灯、光学显微镜、透射电镜观察。结果体外构建的组织工程角膜的基质细胞具有活性,其结构与正常角膜基质相近。移植治疗无菌性角膜溃疡术后,1~2周有新生血管侵入组织工程角膜基质植片边缘,植片为灰白色半透明状;3~4周随着新生血管减退,组织工程角膜基质植片局部开始透明变薄;术后8~10周角膜溃疡完全修复,角膜恢复透明性,角膜神经可再生;观察最长达10月,角膜仍保持透明,无免疫排斥发生,与对照组疗效相同。结论体外构建的组织工程角膜基质无免疫原性、具有良好的生物相容性,可作为临床治疗角膜溃疡的移植材料。     

利用皮肤成纤维细胞重建兔角膜基质组织的初步研究

目的 探讨利用皮肤成纤维细胞替代角膜基质细胞,构建兔角膜基质组织的可行性.方法 实验研究.通过酶消化的方法分离培养同种异体新生兔皮肤成纤维细胞,用腺病毒转染绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)基因标记细胞,接种细胞于聚羟基乙酸(PGA)圆盘支架,形成细胞-PGA复合物,移植于成年兔角膜基质层.动态观察构建组织在角膜内的变化情况,并于第3、6、8周取材进行大体、组织学、GFP表达及角膜基质特异蛋白Keratocan的检测.透射电镜观察胶原纤维排列并测量其直径.应用t检验统计分析数据.结果 术后8周,实验侧角膜逐渐恢复透明,形成的新生角膜基质样组织,排列较规则.荧光显微镜检测显示GFP阳性细胞存在,形成基质板层样组织,同时该部分细胞表达Keratocan.胶原纤维排列规则,实验组胶原纤维直径为(33.08±2.47)nm,经统计学分析,与正常角膜差异无统计学意义(t=1.80,P=0.0771).结论 皮肤成纤维细胞可以替代角膜基质细胞,在兔角膜内构建组织工程角膜基质组织.     

猪脱细胞角膜基质组织结构特点与生物相容性研究

背景构建组织工程化角膜时,载体的选择十分重要。目前有多种载体可供选用,但脱细胞角膜基质是公认的较好载体。目的观察猪脱细胞角膜基质的组织结构特点,评价其与异种角膜基质和上皮细胞的生物相容性。方法取猪角膜组织进行组织块培养,经胰蛋白酶-EDTA酶消化角膜上皮、基质、内皮细胞,支架组织于-20℃冷冻干燥后灭菌保存。猪脱细胞角膜基质石蜡切片行常规苏木精一伊红染色,光学显微镜下观察组织的形态学特征;扫描电镜下观察其组织结构特点;并对其物理特性,如抗拉性、膨胀性、含水量和透明度进行评价。将猪脱细胞角膜基质移植到兔角膜基质层内,同时与体外培养的兔角膜上皮细胞共培养4周,分析其组织和细胞生物相容性。结果经酶消化处理后猪角膜组织中未见上皮、基质和内皮细胞,其胶原纤维直径大小、排列与正常角膜组织相同,抗拉性、膨胀性、含水量和透明度等物理特性与正常猪角膜相似。猪脱细胞角膜基质行异种兔角膜基质层间移植1周时可见轻度水肿,2周后水肿基本消退,4周时透明度较好。猪脱细胞角膜基质与兔角膜基质之间贴附良好,未见炎症反应及新生血管。兔角膜上皮细胞接种于猪脱细胞角膜基质上共培养4周后CK3表达阳性。猪脱细胞角膜基质脱水前与脱水2h、4h后及正常猪角膜基质间的抗拉性、膨胀性、含水量的差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,但脱水2h、4h后及正常猪角膜基质的透明度明显好于脱水前,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论猪脱细胞角膜基质组织结构与正常猪角膜相似,与兔角膜基质和上皮细胞具有良好的生物相容性。     

Autofluorescence distribution along the corneal axis in diabetic and healthy humans.

Corneal autofluorescence, as measured with a commercial scanning fluorophotometer (lambda(exc): 415-491 nm; lambda(em): 515-630 nm), is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, such fluorophotometers register an average fluorescence signal over all corneal layers as a consequence of their limited axial resolution of 0.5 mm. In order to determine the location of the fluorophores responsible for the increased corneal autofluorescence measured in diabetics, an attempt was made to measure in vivo the distribution of autofluorescence along the optical axis of the cornea with a modified slitlamp. Fluorescence excitation and emission filters identical to those of the scanning fluorophotometer were fitted to a slitlamp equipped with a slow scan CCD camera. Corneal autofluorescence intensity profiles were obtained with the slitlamp in five patients with severe diabetic retinopathy and compared to those of age-matched healthy controls. Corneal autofluorescence was also measured with the scanning fluorophotometer for comparison. The resolution of the CCD camera for measurement of fluorescence along the corneal axis was 0.1 mm. The corneal autofluorescence intensity of the patients and the healthy controls gradually decreased by about the same amount from the endothelium to the epithelium (57% mm(-1)+/-6 s.d. and 52% mm(-1)+/-5 s.d., respectively). The area under the fluorescence intensity curve was significantly greater for the patients than for the healthy controls (factor 2.4+/-1.0 s.d., P<0.001) and was proportional to the corneal fluorescence measured with the scanning fluorophotometer (r=0.92, P<0.001). The results show that (1) the distribution of autofluorescence along the corneal axis can be measured in vivo in humans, (2) the fluorophores involved are distributed throughout the cornea, and (3) the relative distribution of fluorescence is similar in diabetic patients and healthy controls.     

Fibronectin in developing rabbit cornea

Fibronectin is believed to be important in tissue morphogenesis. We examined the distribution of fibronectin in developing rabbit cornea by immunohistofluorescence. Cryostat sections of cornea from 13, 15, and 20-day-old fetuses, 3-day neonates, and adults were incubated with affinity-purified fluoresceinated guinea pig anti-rabbit fibronectin antiserum (aFN). aFN bound to components within the presumptive stromal region and along the basal surfaces of corneal and lens epithelia during early stages of mesenchymal invasion. At 15 days of gestation, fluorescence was associated with the stromal extracellular matrix of the cornea, the subepithelial zone, and the lens capsule. In the 20-day fetus an intense aFN fluorescence was present along the inner corneal stromal border coincident with the formation of Descemet's membrane. Fluorescence within the corneal stroma appeared as fine lines, restricted to the collagen lamellae, remaining through birth and disappearing in the adult. Although stromal fluorescence disappeared in the adult, Descemet's membrane continued to fluoresce, albeit to a lesser extent. The results of our studies indicate the presence of fibronectin in developing rabbit cornea. Because fibronectin is important to cell adhesion in vitro, and because intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, including adhesion, are necessary for tissue morphogenesis, our observation suggests that fibronectin plays an important role in corneal morphogenesis.     

Aqueous to cornea fluorescein distribution ratio in normal and swollen cornea

Intravitreal sodium fluorescein was used to simulate equilibrium fluorescein kinetics, thereby allowing simple measurement of the aqueous to cornea fluorescein distribution ratio. Two groups of rabbit corneas were studied: normal corneas and corneas wounded by freezing. The aqueous to cornea fluorescein distribution ratio was approximately 0.4, was not significantly different in groups of normal or wounded eyes and little variability was noted. In addition, a comparison of in vivo and in vitro measurements of corneal fluorescein concentration in wounded eyes suggests that in vivo protein-bound fluorescein in the cornea fluoresces less efficiently than free fluorescein.     

Ultrasound-enhanced transcorneal drug delivery

PURPOSE: Ultrasound has been shown to enhance, by up to 10 times, the corneal permeability to different compounds such as beta-blockers and fluorescein. Here, we report on our investigation of the mechanisms of ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery through the cornea using light and electron microscopy. METHODS: Enhancement of permeability for a hydrophilic compound, sodium fluorescein, in rabbit cornea in vitro was achieved using ultrasound at a frequency of 880 kHz and intensities of 0.19-0.56 W/cm2 with an exposure duration of 5 minutes. Light and electron microscopy (transmission and scanning) were used to observe ultrasound-induced structural changes in the cornea. RESULTS: The permeability increased by 2.1, 2.5, and 4.2 times when ultrasound was applied at 0.19, 0.34, and 0.56 W/cm2, respectively (P<0.05). The surface cells of corneal epithelium exposed to ultrasound appeared swollen and lighter in color (indications of membrane rupture) as compared with the control cells. Some of the surface epithelial cells were absent. The cells in the inner layers of the epithelium were occasionally lighter in color. Also, holes 3-10 microm in diameter were observed on the epithelial surface. No structural changes were observed in the stroma. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound enhancement of drug delivery through the cornea appears to result from minor structural alterations in the epithelium. Careful investigation of the recovery of cornea structure and barrier function after the ultrasound application, in vivo, is needed.     

Actin organization in migrating corneal epithelium of rabbits in situ

We have found previously that fibronectin enhances the migration of rabbit corneal epithelium both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper we report a change of actin localization in migrating corneal epithelium as determined by immunofluorescent microscopy. Rabbit cornea was cut into small blocks and cultured in TC-199 medium. In the normal cornea, actin was detected as diffuse fluorescence at each epithelial layer. After 8 hr of cultivation epithelial cells had not started to migrate significantly, but actin had accumulated at the cell membrane. After 24 hr, epithelial migration had begun, and actin-specific fluorescence was detected mainly in the basal cell layer at the leading edge. When fibronectin or epidermal growth factor was added to the culture medium, epithelial migration began 8 hr after initiation of culture, and at 24 hr actin-specific fluorescence at the basal side of the migrating epithelial cells appeared stronger than that of a control group cultured in TC-199 unsupplemented medium. At the same time, fibronectin-specific fluorescence was more intense beneath the migrating epithelial cells. It is known that fibronectin has an affinity to collagen, and thus it might coat the cut surface of the stroma. Epithelial cells may attach then to the stroma via coated fibronectin. When a large quantity of exogenous fibronectin is added or when fibronectin is synthesized by the addition of epidermal growth factor, it may further stimulate the organization of intracellular actin from globular form (G-actin) to fibrilar form (F-actin). As a result, the change of intracellular localization and appearance of organized actin molecule might lead to cellular migration.     

LV-EGFP标记兔角膜基质细胞体外基质层移植的实验观察

目的:探讨兔角膜基质细胞(CSCs)体外移植兔角膜后的存活时间。方法:体外培养原代兔CSCs,并行细胞免疫组化鉴定,利用慢病毒载体(LV)携带标记基因增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)转染兔CSCs,倒置荧光显微镜下观察转染后细胞生长状态及荧光强度,体外动物实验,随机分为2组,实验组行LV-EGFP标记的兔CSCs细胞悬液角膜基质注射,对照组等量生理盐水角膜基质注射,转染后1wk,1mo取材冰冻切片观察移植的CSCs荧光,石蜡切片行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察组织形态。结果:LV-EGFP转染兔CSCs在倒置荧光显微镜下24h后可见少量荧光,96h和110h荧光较强,转染后的CSCs与正常CSCs细胞形态无明显差异;转染后1wk,1mo实验组中角膜基质层中可见绿色荧光,对照组中无绿色荧光;石蜡切片1wk实验组见明显上皮细胞增生及角膜轻微水肿,少量炎症细胞浸润,转染后1mo实验组上皮细胞增生减弱,未见角膜层水肿;对照组1wk,1mo均未见明显异常。结论:LV-EGFP标记的兔CSCs行体外角膜基质移植,可在角膜中至少存活1mo,且与邻近组织相容性较好。     

Minimally invasive, direct, real time measurement of drug concentration in the anterior eye

AIMS: To evaluate a corneal contact lens which effectively turns the anterior chamber of the eye into a cuvette, enabling the concentration of a drug to be measured using absorption spectroscopy. METHODS: A hand held contact lens incorporating optical fibres connected to a spectrograph enabled a beam of light to be directed in, across, and out of the anterior chamber. The device was used to follow the time course of drug concentration in the anterior chamber of rabbit (sedated) and humans, using topical brimonidine or fluorescein (with or without local anaesthesia). Absorbance measurements were taken for a 5-25 second period, repeated every 30 minutes. Drug concentrations were compared using absorbance peak height. RESULTS: Corneal absorption starts to rise rapidly at wavelengths shorter than 315 nm. The light path within the anterior chamber is 6.9 mm (rabbit) and 5.8 mm (human), the absorbance measured also includes a corneal component. Application of fluorescein (three drops of 2% solution) in rabbit allowed detection, 60 minutes later, of a large absorbance peak at 490 nm. In the human eye, the device could not measure fluorescein (applied as in rabbit), but clearly detected brimonidine for 3 hours following topical application of 0.6 mg. Modification of the device to measure fluorescence resulted in the detection of 5.3 nM fluorescein in the ex vivo rabbit eye, an increase in sensitivity of two orders of magnitude over the absorption measurements. CONCLUSION: This device has the potential to allow repeated measurements of drug concentrations in the anterior eye provided the drug has suitable absorption or fluorescence characteristics.     

Collagen fiber diameter in the rabbit cornea after collagen crosslinking by riboflavin/UVA

OBJECTIVE: Collagen crosslinking of the cornea has been developed recently as a quasiconservative treatment of keratoconus. Biomechanical in vitro measurements have demonstrated a significant increase in biomechanical stiffness of the crosslinked cornea. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of this new procedure on the collagen fiber diameter of the rabbit cornea. METHODS: The corneas of the right eyes of 10 New Zealand White albino rabbits were crosslinked by application of the photosensitizer riboflavin and exposure to UVA light (370 nm, 3 mW/cm2) for 30 minutes. The left fellow control eyes were either left untreated (rabbits 1-4), deepithelialized (rabbits 5-7), or deepithelialized and treated with riboflavin/dextran solution (rabbits 8-10) to exclude an influence of epithelial debridement or hydration changes on the fiber diameter. On ultrathin sections of samples from the anterior and posterior cornea, the collagen fiber diameter was measured semiautomatically with the help of morphometric computer software. RESULTS: In the anterior stroma, the collagen fiber diameter in the treated corneas was significantly increased by 12.2% (3.96 nm), and in the posterior stroma by 4.6% (1.63 nm), compared with the control fellow eyes. In the crosslinked eyes, the collagen fiber diameter was also significantly increased by, on average, 9.3% (3.1 nm) in the anterior compared with the posterior stroma within the same eye. CONCLUSIONS: Collagen crosslinking using riboflavin and UVA leads to a significant increase in corneal collagen diameter. This alteration is the morphologic correlate of the crosslinking process leading to an increase in biomechanical stability. The crosslinking effect is strongest in the anterior half of the stroma because of the rapid decrease in UVA irradiance across the corneal stroma as a result of riboflavin-enhanced UVA absorption.     

Time-resolved fluorescence properties of fluorescein and fluorescein glucuronide

The use of fluorescein as a tracer in the study of the blood-ocular barriers is complicated by the metabolic production of fluorescein monoglucuronide, the excitation and fluorescence spectra of which overlap with those of fluorescein. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements provide a means of detecting the two substances in a mixture. Fluorescein and fluorescein glucuronide have different fluorescence lifetimes, 4.0 nsec and 2.3 nsec, at 37 degrees C and pH 7.35. Hence the two substances can be distinguished from the biexponential fluorescence decay in the mixture. The lifetimes are identical in buffered water, in hyaluronic acid and in human vitreous in vitro. The method is suggested for estimation of fluorescein and fluorescein glucuronide in the human vitreous in vivo. The time-resolved and steady state fluorescence anisotropies, the fluorescence lifetimes and the quantum yields strongly suggest that binding of fluorescein or fluorescein glucuronide to hyaluronic acid or other macromolecules in the human vitreous is weak, if present at all, and that static quenching of fluorescence does not occur in the vitreous.     

异种角膜脱细胞基质为供体进行角膜前板层移植的初步研究

目的探讨以异种猪角膜脱细胞基质为供体植片,分析兔角膜进行前板层移植后的生物相容性：设计实验研究。研究对象新西兰白兔。方法应用1％TritonX-100及冷冻干燥处理制备猪角膜脱细胞基质载体,切取1／3厚度前板层作为供体角膜植片,对兔眼角膜前板层切除后进行移植,同时以新鲜猪角膜板层为供体对兔进行前板层移植作对照。通过术后角膜透明度、组织结构观察,评价猪角膜脱细胞基质的生物相容性及植片转归的情况。主要指标角膜透明度和组织学HE染色。结果制备的猪角膜脱细胞基质植片作前板层移植到兔眼后,未见明显的新生血管、炎症反应、角膜坏死等排斥现象,观察期内植片较透明;脱细胞基质表面上皮化良好,植片基质板层与植床逐渐融合,植片内有宿主细胞迁入生长,板层结构与正常角膜相似。结论猪角膜脱细胞基质具有良好的生物相容性、安全性和低抗原性,有望成为角膜板层移植的供体材料。     

In vitro tissue engineering of lamellar cornea using human amniotic epithelial cells and rabbit cornea stroma

AIM:To reconstruct the lamellar cornea using human amniotic epithelial (HAE) cells and rabbit cornea stroma in vitro using tissue engineering technology.METHODS: Human amnia taken from uncomplicated caesarean sections were digested by collagenase to obtain HAE cells, and the cells were cultured to proliferate. Rabbit corneal epithelial cells were removed by n-heptanol to make lamellar matrix sheets. The second passage of HAE cells were cultured on the corneal stroma sheets for 1 or 2 days, then transferred to an air-liquid interface environment to culture for 2 weeks. Tissue engineered lamellar cornea (TELC) morphology was observed by Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining; its ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); corneal epithelial cell-specific keratin 3 and keratin 12 were detected with immunofluorescence microscopy.RESULTS:HAE cells grew on the rabbit corneal stroma, forming a monolayer after 1-2 days. About 4-5 layers of epithelial cells developed after 2 weeks of air-liquid interface cultivation, a result similar to normal corneal epithelium. Rabbit corneal stromal cells were significantly reduced after one week, then almost completely disappeared after 2 weeks. TEM showed desmosomes between the epithelial cells; hemidesmosomes formed between the epithelial cells and the basement membrane. SEM revealed that the HAE cells which grew on the lamellar cornea had abundant microvilli. The tissue-engineered cornea expressed keratin 3 and keratin 12, as detected by immunofluorescence assay.CONCLUSION: Functional tissue-engineered lamellar corneal grafts can be constructed in vitro using HAE cells and rabbit corneal stroma.