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Nitric oxide generated by corneas in corneal storage media
Bennie H Jeng1, David M Meisler, Joe G Hollyfield
1Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Cornea
|April 26, 2002
Summary
Human corneas release nitric oxide (NO) in storage media, increasing over time. This suggests potential cumulative toxic effects from NO free radicals on corneas before transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Corneal storage media are crucial for preserving donor tissue for transplantation.
- The biochemical changes occurring in corneal storage media are not fully understood.
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule with known biological effects, including potential toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the release of nitric oxide (NO) by human corneal buttons in storage media over time.
- To assess the potential impact of NO release on corneal viability during storage.
Main Methods:
- Human corneal buttons stored in Optisol GS were sampled daily for up to 28 days.
- Corneal buttons designated for penetrating keratoplasty were sampled immediately post-surgery.
- Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in storage media were measured using the Griess reaction.
Main Results:
- Nitrite and nitrate levels in storage media increased progressively, reaching equilibrium after approximately 6 days.
- The measured concentrations in post-surgery samples largely fell within the predicted range based on time-dependent storage.
- No detectable nitrite or nitrate was found in unused storage medium controls.
Conclusions:
- Human corneas continuously release nitric oxide (NO) during storage.
- The accumulation of NO in storage media may pose a cumulative toxic risk to corneal tissue.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the implications of NO release for corneal graft outcomes.