Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the neural regeneration potential of adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in a rabbit corneal nerve damage model.
Methods :
The characteristics of the AD-MSCs were verified by MSC marker expression through immunocytochemical analysis (ICC) and flow cytometry. The chondrogenic and neurogenic differentiation procedures were used to confirm the multipotency of the AD-MSCs. Intrastromal corneal injection of AD-MSCs was performed after corneal epithelial debridement in the rabbit corneal nerve damage model. The location of the injected MSCs was verified by in vivo confocal microscopy and H & E staining. The process of corneal epithelial wound healing was detected by fluorescein staining. The corneal nerve regeneration was evaluated by in vivo confocal microscope (IVCM) and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) in the treated region.
Results :
The AD-MSCs showed expression of MSC markers (α-SMA+, vimentin+, CD44+, and CD11b-) in ICC and flow cytometry analysis. The multipotency of AD-MSCs was confirmed by chondrocytes and neural stem cells differentiation. The injected AD-MSCs were detectable on post-injection day 1 in the central cornea through in vivo confocal images and the H & E staining analysis. Corneal nerve regeneration in the AD-MSCs treated group was observed on day 14 while on day 21 in the control group through IVCM analysis.(Fig.1) The results of IHC (SMI-312, βIII-tubulin) confirmed the regenerated corneal nerve at the subbasal cornea and epithelium. (Fig.2)
Conclusions :
Our results showed AD-MSCs injection benefits corneal nerve regeneration in the rabbit corneal nerve damage model and could be a potential treatment for ocular surface diseases related to corneal nerve injury.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.