Abstract
Purpose: :
To compare the cutlure results of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets for ocular surface reconstruction under different culture systems.
Methods: :
Human oral mucosal epithelial cells were cultivated in different conditions, including (1) with or without amniotic membrane as carrier (2) different basal media including KSFM (Keratinocyte serum free medium), DMEM and M-star medium, and (3)High serum, low serum and serum free culture conditions. The morphologic characteristics of cultivated epithelial equivalents were analyzed by light and electron microscopy, as well as by immunohistochemistry. Transepithelial resistance (TER) an transepithelial diffusion were also performed to evaulate the function of cellular junctions.
Results: :
Human oral mucosal epithelial ells cultured on different conditons demonstrated different morphology, immunohistochemical results and transepithelial resistance (p<0.01). KSFM provides a better cellular morphology compared to DMEM and M-Star media. Cellular attachement and proliferation rate were decreased when cultivated on amniotic membrane in KSFM (p<0.01). Low serum and serum free condtions can be used to culture the cell sheets, although the cell growth rate is slower (p<0.05).
Conclusions: :
The cutlure results of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets for ocular surface reconstruction were different under various culture systems tested. Oral mucosal epithelial eqivalent can be cultured in low serum or serum free conditions.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • cornea: basic science • cornea: clinical science