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In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
Adhesion structures of amniotic membranes integrated into human corneas
Miklós D Resch1, Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Carmen Hofmann-Rummelt
11st Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. remi@szem1.sote.hu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) integrates into corneal tissue, forming hemidesmosomes and desmosomes. This structural integration supports corneal epithelial regeneration and stability in ocular surface disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (AM) is utilized in ocular surface reconstruction.
- Understanding the structural integration of AM with host corneal tissue is crucial for its therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural relationship between integrated amniotic membrane (AM) and corneal tissues.
- To identify various integration patterns and associated adhesion structures at the interface.
Main Methods:
- Examined corneal buttons and AM from 14 patients post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) after AM transplantation (AMT).
- Utilized transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry for integrin beta4, type VII collagen, and laminin.
- Assessed corneal epithelium and AM thickness, desmosome/hemidesmosome density, and basement membrane characteristics.
Main Results:
- Histology and TEM confirmed AM integration in 11 of 14 patients, with integration patterns including subepithelial, intraepithelial, and intrastromal.
- Hemidesmosomes anchored corneal epithelial cells to AM (density up to 165.3/100 µm), and desmosomes were found among epithelial cells (density 21.2/10 µm).
- Discontinuous basement membrane segments (17.2 nm thick) were observed.
Conclusions:
- The amniotic membrane stroma can integrate into host corneal tissue.
- Integration involves the formation of hemidesmosomes and desmosomes, crucial for anchoring and stabilizing the regenerating corneal epithelium.
- The presence of integrated AM and adhesion structures supports the clinical use of AM in ocular surface disease.
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