MMP'2 and 9 expression byexpanded corneal epithelial cells on amniotic membrane

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To compare in vitro cultured epithelial corneal cells phenotype and MMP'2 and 9 expression on amniotic membrane. Methods: Limbal and central rabbits explants were expanded in vitro on amniotic membrane using airlift technique. Different specimen of amniotic membrane were used: one half were chemically pretreated to scratch epithelial amniotic monolayer, the others were not treated.Corneal cells phenotype were detected with AE5 and AK2 monoclonal antibodies. Gel zymography was performed to compare semi quantitatively MMP's expression on cellular and acellular amniotic membrane. Results: Expanded corneal epithelial cells on acellular membrane formed a confluent epithelium layer for 2 weeks and multilayer for 25 days. Epithelial growth was more rapid on acellular than cellular membrane. Amniotic membrane side up was better substrate than side down for AE5and AK2 epithelial cell phenotype. Zymography showed MMP'2 and 9 overexpression in cellular than acellular amniotic membrane. Conclusions: These results correlated the MMP's expression with the cultured epthelium corneal growth on amniotic membrane an supported that corneal cells could be expanded more easily to confluence on acellular membrane with limbal explants.

Keywords: cornea: epithelium • enzymes/enzyme inhibitors • wound healing