The effects of epidermal and fibroblast growth factors on the repair of corneal endothelial wounds in bovine corneas maintained in organ culture.

The effects of FGF and EGF on the repair process of the wounded endothelium of bovine corneas maintained in organ culture have been analyzed. Both EGF and FGF greatly accelerate the repair process of the corneal endothelium in vitro. Similar results were obtained when complete denudation of the endothelium was performed and cultured corneal endothelial cells were seeded at a final density of 3×10³/cm² on Descemet's membrane. Within 5 days a new endothelium with a morphology similar to that of intact corneal endothelium maintained in organ culture for the same period time was achieved. These results demonstrate, therefore, that either EGF or FGF can participate in the repair process of the corneal endothelium of corneas maintained in organ culture.