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Cat endothelial morphology after corneal transplant
K L Cohen1, N K Tripoli, G Cervantes
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Current Eye Research
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Cats demonstrate corneal changes after penetrating keratoplasty. Cell density and hexagonal cell percentage decreased significantly nine months post-surgery, indicating long-term endothelial stress and polymegethism.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- The cat is a suitable model for studying corneal endothelial repair.
- Morphological changes in the corneal endothelium indicate stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate corneal thickness and endothelial morphometric parameters in cats following penetrating keratoplasty.
- To assess endothelial stress response and repair mechanisms in a feline model.
Main Methods:
- Eight cats underwent homograft penetrating keratoplasty.
- Corneal thickness and endothelial morphometrics (cell density, cell area variation, hexagonal cell percentage) were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks and 9 months.
- Computer analysis of 100-cell samples from photomicrographs was performed.
Main Results:
- Corneal endothelial cell density and hexagonal cell percentage significantly decreased at 9 months compared to preoperative and 6-week values.
- The coefficient of variation for cell area increased significantly at 6 weeks post-surgery.
- Evidence of polymegethism was observed at 6 weeks, with persistent decreased cell density and pleomorphism at 9 months.
Conclusions:
- Penetrating keratoplasty in cats leads to significant long-term changes in corneal endothelial morphology.
- Cats exhibit signs of endothelial stress, including polymegethism and reduced cell density, persisting up to nine months post-keratoplasty.
- The feline model effectively demonstrates corneal endothelial damage and repair dynamics after keratoplasty.