In vivo Limbal Epithelial Culture and Graft for Limbal Deficiency

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To treat limbal stem cell deficiency, the epithelial characteristic in rabbits with total limbal stem cell deficiency(LSCD) after reconstruction with autologous corneal epithelial cells in vivo expanded on amniotic membrane was investigated.. Methods: The right eye of 10 rabbits were rendered total LSCD, verified by impression cytology. The left eye of 10 rabbits, in vivo corneal etithelial cells culture was achieved. In group A(n=4), we evaluate cultured corneal epithelial cells characteristic and in group B(n=6) we evaluate transplanted corneal epithelial cells characteristic at postoperative 1, 2, 4 weeks. Results: Successful epithelial growth was observed on amniotic membrane in all eyes of group A. Transplanted epithelial cells was well remained in five eyes of group B. Each epithelial cells of group A and B were confirmed with corneal specificity by immunohistochemical staining (AK–2, AE–5). Conclusions: Transplantation with autologous corneal epithelial cells in vivo expanded on amniotic membrane can successfully reconstruct corneal surface with unilateral total LSCD. .

Keywords: cornea: epithelium • anterior segment • microscopy: electron microscopy