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Corneal endothelium under various storage conditions
Abstract:
Three rabbit corneas each were stored in McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) medium, rabbit serum, and in a moist chamber at 4 degrees C refrigeration for various lengths of observation. The endothelial cells appeared normal under all conditions for the first 24 hours as compared with control corneas processed concurrently with each experimental group. After 48 hours of storage the specimens in the moist chamber showed isolated endothelial cell damage. The endothelia in M-K medium or rabbit serum appeared viable up to six days without significant differences although those stored in rabbit serum showed a better preservation of microvilli on individual endothelial cells. Under all conditions a mild shrinkage of the cells seemed to have taken place as indicated by the more pronounced cell boundaries. We incubated an equal number of control rabbit corneas at 37 degrees C with 5% CO2 and moist air in M-K medium, serum, and minimal essential medium (MEM) with 10% fetal calf serum and 100 units/ml of a penicillin and streptomycin mixture. In serum, the endothelia showed rapid destruction with swelling of the entire cornea. Those stored in M-K medium maintained a normal endothelial covering of the cornea up to six days. At nine days of storage, marked cellular changes were observed with dehiscence of the cellular layer. When stored in the MEM mixture, the endothelial cells showed a normal layer without obvious cell damage when compared with those stored in M-K medium up to four days. However, after six and nine days of storage, cellular destruction was greater in these specimens than in those stored in M-K medium. In addition, there was considerable swelling of the whole cornea under this storage condition.
Insights
Rabbit corneas stored in McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) medium showed better endothelial cell viability up to six days compared to serum or moist chambers. M-K medium is a promising option for corneal storage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Corneal storage is crucial for transplantation success.
- Evaluating different storage media is essential for preserving endothelial cell viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) medium, rabbit serum, and moist chamber storage for rabbit corneas.
- To assess endothelial cell viability and corneal integrity under different storage conditions and temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit corneas were stored at 4°C in M-K medium, rabbit serum, and a moist chamber.
- Corneas were also incubated at 37°C in M-K medium, serum, and Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) with additives.
- Endothelial cell morphology, microvilli preservation, and corneal swelling were evaluated over time.
Main Results:
- At 4°C, M-K medium and rabbit serum maintained endothelial viability up to six days, with serum showing better microvilli preservation.
- Moist chamber storage led to endothelial damage after 48 hours at 4°C.
- At 37°C, serum caused rapid endothelial destruction and corneal swelling; M-K medium maintained viability up to six days, while MEM showed greater cell destruction after six days.
Conclusions:
- McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) medium provides superior corneal endothelial cell preservation compared to rabbit serum and moist chambers at 4°C for up to six days.
- M-K medium is a suitable storage solution for short-term corneal preservation, maintaining endothelial integrity better than MEM at 37°C.
- Further research into optimizing storage media and conditions is warranted to improve long-term corneal graft survival.