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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Scleral Cross-linking Using Riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A Radiation for Prevention of Axial Myopia in a Rabbit Model
Published on: April 3, 2016
UVA/riboflavin-induced apoptosis in mouse cornea
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany. fanwang_hh@yahoo.com
Background:
A mouse model of combined UVA/riboflavin irradiation to eliminate stromal cells and other antigen-presenting cells in the cornea provides the basis for a probably low risk of corneal transplantation.
Methods:
After abrasion of the epithelium, the central corneas of mouse eyes were treated with UVA/riboflavin in vitro. Histological studies of hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining with caspase 3 were performed. Dissected mouse corneas were analyzed by Western blot.
Results:
Apoptotic cells were shown on the central corneal stroma; a cell-free zone was displayed in the cornea. Numbers of dead cells increased according to cultivation time. However, the endothelium survived due to the adjustment of the irradiation dose.
Conclusions:
A cell-free zone in the stroma of the mouse cornea was produced by UVA/riboflavin irradiation in vitro. The technique makes possible to prevent or reduce immunological reactions and the risk of graft rejection by pretreatment of the donor cornea, ultimately prolonging graft survival.
