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In vitro release of fibrinolytic activators from cornea
Summary
Rabbit corneas cultured in vitro release fibrinolytic agents, primarily from the epithelium. This activity, dependent on viable explants, suggests the synthesis of plasminogen activators during culture.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fibrinolysis is crucial for tissue homeostasis and wound healing.
- The cornea's role in producing fibrinolytic agents is not fully understood.
- Understanding corneal fibrinolysis can inform treatments for ocular surface diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release and nature of fibrinolytic agents from rabbit corneas cultured in vitro.
- To determine the cellular origin of these fibrinolytic factors.
- To assess the effect of prednisolone on corneal fibrinolytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Culturing rabbit corneal explants in chemically defined media.
- Assaying for fibrinolytic activity in the culture medium.
- Evaluating the impact of prednisolone on fibrinolysis.
- Observing fibrinolytic activity changes upon explant death.
Main Results:
- Corneal explants continuously released fibrinolytic agents.
- The primary source of these agents was identified as the corneal epithelium.
- Prednisolone treatment did not alter the fibrinolytic activity.
- Fibrinolysis ceased upon the death of the corneal explants.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit corneal epithelium synthesizes and releases plasminogen activators.
- Corneal fibrinolytic activity is dependent on the viability of the explant.
- These findings suggest a role for corneal fibrinolysis in ocular tissue maintenance.