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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
Published on: February 15, 2019
[mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits]
Hui-zhuo Xu1, Shuang-zhen Liu, Xiao-bo Xia
1Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Objective:
To investigate the roles of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) during healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Methods:
Twenty of 24 rabbits underwent bilateral 193 nm excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy to correct 10 diopters of myopia, and the other 4 rabbits were taken as the normal group. The mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 in the corneas of the rabbits were determined by in situ hybridization with a Digoxigenin labled probe.
Results:
1. Corneal haze appeared in operated eyes from the 7th day, and peaked on the 28th day after PRK. The most severe haze reached Grade 3. 2. In the normal group, a low level of mRNA expression of TGF-beta 1 was observed in the epithelium, and no positive result in the stroma. On the 7th, 14th, and 28th days after the operation, the mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 in the epithelium and stroma of the operation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group.
Conclusion:
TGF-beta 1 may involve in corneal wound healing after PRK and may increase haze by promoting the synthesis of the extracellular matrix and the proliferation of keratocytes.
Insights
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) plays a role in corneal healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Elevated TGF-beta 1 levels correlate with increased corneal haze post-PRK surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Context:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Corneal haze is a potential complication following PRK.
- Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a key cytokine in tissue repair.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of TGF-beta 1 in corneal wound healing after PRK.
- To quantify TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression levels in rabbit corneas post-PRK.
Summary:
- Excimer laser PRK was performed on rabbit eyes to correct myopia.
- In situ hybridization detected TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels in corneal tissues.
- Significantly higher TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels were observed in operated eyes compared to controls.
Impact:
- TGF-beta 1 may contribute to corneal haze formation after PRK.
- This cytokine might promote extracellular matrix synthesis and keratocyte proliferation.
- Understanding TGF-beta 1's role could inform strategies to reduce post-PRK haze.
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