Experimental Rehydration of Cryopreserved Corneal Tissue

Abstract

Changes in total water and electrolyte content were measured in corneas following cryopreservation and following experimental rehydration of the cryopreserved-thawed tissue in an albumin-NaCl solution, Kinsey medium, or in vivo in aqueous humor. During the cryopreservation procedure the corneal tissue becomes dehydrated and loses intracellular potassium and sodium. Experimental rehydration of the cryopreserved tissue in Kinsey medium restores the Na⁺ and water content to control values, but corneal K⁺ remains decreased. Corneas rehydrated in albumin-NaCl regained only the normal water content; whereas, corneas rehydrated in vivo in aqueous humor regained the normal water content and sodium concentration over a two-hour period, while corneal potassium showed a slight increase throughout the two-hour period.