干燥保存兔角膜的内皮细胞形态特征

Morphological Characteristics of Endothelial Cells of Corneas of Rabbits Preserved by Desiccation

The endothelial cells of the cornea of rabbits preserved by desiccation for various durations did not show the normal hexagonal cellular borders but broad bean like light blue nuclei after combined staining with alizarin red and trypan blue. Scanning electron microscopy revealed interdigitation at the intercellular junction together with intercellular vacuoles and cellular edema. Transmission electron microscopy showed incomplete nuclear membrane, pyknosis and vacuoles and remnant or-ganellae in the cytoplasm. Partial penetrating keratoplasties were done in 37 rabbits (37 eyes) with the preserved cornea. The grafts remained transparent for a minimum of <1 days to a maximum of over one year with 7 grafts remaining transparent over 30 days. Staining of the transparent grafts revealed the endothelial cells arranged in mosaics with normal hexagonal cellular borders. Authors assumed that after transplantation of the preserved cornea, the endotherial cells had regained their activities due to the nutrient effect of the aqueous humor.