Abstract
Purpose::
To examine if overexpression of Smad7 by adenoviral gene transfer suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and subsequent fibrogenic reaction by corneal endothelium in an alkali-burned cornea in rats. Such reaction causes formation of retrocorneal membrane in an alkali-burned cornea.
Methods::
Two adenoviral vectors carrying Cre recombinase under CAG promoter and Smad7 cDNA under LNL promoter, mixed with hyaluronan, were applied to the anterior chamber of adult Wistar rats (n = 14) under general anesthesia. Control animals received a vector of CAG/Cre recombinase. After 3 days the eye received 10 microL of 1N NaOH. After specific interval of healing the animals were killed and the eye was processed for histology/immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen I. Efficacy of gene transfer was evaluated by the vector carrying green fluorescein protein (GFP).
Results::
GFP was detected in corneal endothelium. In control healing cornea αSMA was expressed in stromal fibroblasts and corneal endothelium. Collagen I was also seen in endothelium. Expression of αSMA and collagen I was suppressed in corneal endothelium.
Conclusions::
Smad7 overexpression suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and subsequent fibrogenic reaction by corneal endothelium in an alkali-burned cornea in rats.
Keywords: cornea: endothelium • gene transfer/gene therapy • wound healing