[Experimental study on transplantation of tissue-cultured human corneal endothelium]

The Descemet's membrane of rabbit corneas denuded of endothelium were seeded with tissue cultured human corneal endothelial cells, which were then transplanted onto rabbit corneas. Postoperative slit lamp examination and ultrasonic pachymetry were performed, and histopathology and immunofluorescein staining of the transplants were studied 4 of 7 transplants grew clear rapidly and the corneal thickness returned to normal within 2-3 weeks. The 3 others were primary donor failures. 2 of the 4 clear transplants later showed phenomenon of immune rejection. The 2 control transplants with no endothelial cell transplantation did not clear up at all. The study demonstrated that after transplantation, tissue cultured human corneal endothelial cells were able to adhere firmly onto Descemet's membrane with normal appearance and physiological function. Also, xenogenic corneal endothelial transplantation could elicit severe immune rejection.