The corneal endothelium in vivo: its response to mild trauma

Changes in the specular microscopical appearance of the corneal endothelium are induced by the application of glycerin drops, in clinically used concentrations, to the epithelial surface of living rabbit corneas. Many of the affected cells appear to recover but a large number fall away and are replaced by the spread of neighbouring cells, eventually to leave no trace of their loss. The processes involved are described as seen and photographed in vivo with a modified, “roving”, specular microscope over prolonged periods of observation.The reduction in cell population results in no demonstrable loss of functional efficiency of the endothelium as evaluated by the temperature reversal phenomenon in vitro, after a period of cooling the eyes to 4°C. However, urethane anaesthesia is shown to be suspect in interfering with the pump-leak mechanisms of the endothelium.