Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The mechanism of stem cell factor (SCF)/c–kit system has not been elucidated in the ocular surface. Previously, we demonstrated the delayed corneal wound healing in c–kit deficient mice and SCF deficient mice, suggesting that SCF/c–kit system might promote corneal epithelial wound healing. In order to explore the exact mechanism of SCF/c–kit system in the ocular surface, we investigated SCF and c–kit dynamics during corneal epithelial wound healing. Methods:Epithelial defects were created in the center of corneas of 6–8 weeks old C57BL6 mice using a 2.5 mm trephine and a blade. The experimental animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours after wounding. The corneas and conjunctivals were subjected to Real–time RT–PCR to examine the expression of SCF mRNA and c–kit mRNA during corneal wound healing. Results: In the corneas, SCF mRNA expression was significantly up–regulated by 19 times at 1 hour after wounding, and down to 3.5 times at 2 hours then returned to normal level by 12 hours after wounding. C–kit mRNA expression was up–regulated by 7times at 1 hours, and 3 times at 2 hours, then returned to normal level by 12 hours. In the conjunctivas, the expressions of SCF mRNA and c–kit mRNA were also up–regulated in a similar pattern as cornea. Conclusions: Up–regulated endogenious SCF and c–kit expression were demonstrated at very early phase of corneal wound healing. SCF/c–kit system might play a role in corneal epithelial wound healing.
Keywords: wound healing • cornea: epithelium • conjunctiva