Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study is to verify that collagenase-based spheroidal suspension culture is a promising technique for cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET).
Methods :
Patients with limbal stem cell deficiency who received COMET to promote wound healing were studied retrospectively. Immunoconfocal microscopy was performed on corneal specimens from the patients after COMET, as well on normal corneas, conjunctiva, and oral mucosa for Keratin 3, 4, 13, p63 and p75NTR.
Results :
A biopsy taken two years after COMET showed stratified epithelium with small, compact basal epithelial cells. The epithelium was positive for Keratin 4, 13, and 3 in the suprabasal layer but universally negative in the basal layer. Staining for p63 and p75NTR were both positive in the basal layer. The graft remained clear up to post-OP 4 years, and his best corrected vision remained above 20/120.
Conclusions :
Both clinical observations and histological examination confirmed the long-term survival of the transplanted OMECs, suggesting that collagenase-based spheroidal suspension culture is a promising technique for COMET.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.