[Preservation of human corneas in organ culture: technical protocol]

Using organ-culture preservation human corneas were preserved up to 5 weeks in a modified tissue culture medium at 37 degrees C. The endothelial viability was examined after staining with trypan-blue 0.3%, after determination of endothelial cell density and cell loss and by light microscopy after staining with trypan-blue 0.3% and alizarin red 1%. The biochemical analysis of the medium (pH, glucose, lactate) has allowed the evaluation of three kinds of storage. The influence of time preservation on the endothelial viability and the metabolic conditions are determined. At the end of this study a clinical trial is proposed.