Tonometry and pachymetry changes after intracameral injection of human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells in a corneal burn model

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness after the injection of human amniotic membrane stem cells (hAM-MSC) in a rabbit corneal alkali burn model.

Methods : New zealand white rabbits were used according with ARVO's statement for the use of animal in ophthalmic and vision research. Six animals per group were randomly divided into two groups, group 1 received intracameral 1x 10⁶/300ml hAM-MSc and group 2 intracameral 300 ml BSS sham. Chemical burns were performed with 6 mm-diameter filter paper soaked in 0.5 N NaOH. Intraocular pressure was measured with handheld tonometer and corneal thickness with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Measurements were performed at baseline, days 1,4,7 and 12. Analysis of variation (ANOVA) tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results : Intraocular pressures in the intracameral hAM-MSc group were as follows in mmHg; baseline 10.00±1.00, day 1 13.66±7.23, day 4 10.66±2.08, day 7 7.33±1.52 and day 12 9.66±0.57 and compared with sham BSS group in mmHg; baseline 12.3±3.21, day 1 9.66±1.15, day 4 13.66±5.50, day 7 12.66±1.52 and day 12 14.33±1.52 without significant stastistically differences (p>0.05), nevertheless clinically significant. Central corneal thicknesses in the intracameral hAM-MSc group were as follows in microns (mm); baseline 376.00±14.00, day 1 630.00±11.13, day 4 399.33±27.46, day 7 364.33±13.61, day 12 373.66±23.86 versus intracameral BSS group in microns (mm); baseline 403.00±28.61, day 1 871.00±68.43, day 4 526.33±124.99, day 7 430.33±15.50, day 12 411.66±15.94 also with significant stastistically differences (p<0.05).

Conclusions : Taken together these results, hAM-MSc presented capabilities in avoid increases of central corneal thickness and mantain low intraocular pressure after chemical burn damage to the corneal. Further studies could be done to elucidate the role of hAM-MSc in corneal edema and ocular hypertension.

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.