Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
Published on: February 15, 2019
Hyperosmolar Potassium Inhibits Corneal Myofibroblast Transformation and Prevent Corneal Scar
Kai Liao1,2, Zekai Cui2, Zhijie Wang1,2
1Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Purpose:
Corneal myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the process of corneal scarring. Potassium has been documented to reduce skin scar tissue formation. Herein, we investigated the ability of potassium to prevent corneal fibrosis in cell culture and in vivo.
Methods:
Corneal fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated from the corneal limbus and treated with TGF-β1 to transform into corneal myofibroblasts. Corneal myofibroblast markers were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The contractive functions of corneal myofibroblast were evaluated by the scratch assay and the collagen gel contraction assay. RNA sequencing in corneal fibroblasts was performed to explore the mechanisms underlying hyperosmolar potassium treatment. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to explore the underlying mechanism by hyperosmolar potassium treatment. The ATP detection assay assessed the level of cell metabolism. KCl eye drops four times per day were administered to mice models of corneal injury to evaluate the ability to prevent corneal scar formation. Corneal opacity area was evaluated by Image J software.
Results:
Treatment with hyperosmolar potassium could suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I synthesis induced by TGF-β1 in cell culture. Hyperosmolar potassium could inhibit wound healing and gel contraction in CFs. RNA sequencing results suggested that genes involved in the metabolic pathway were downregulated after KCl treatment. ATP levels were significantly decreased in the KCl group compared with the control group. Hyperosmolar potassium could prevent corneal myofibroblast transformation after corneal injury and corneal scar formation in mice.
Conclusion:
Potassium can suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I protein synthesis. Moreover, given that KCl eye drops can prevent corneal scar formation, it has been suggested to have huge prospects as a novel treatment approach during clinical practice.
Insights
Potassium chloride eye drops can prevent corneal scarring by suppressing corneal myofibroblast activity and collagen production. This finding suggests a promising new therapeutic approach for corneal fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corneal myofibroblasts are key contributors to corneal scarring.
- Potassium has shown potential in reducing scar tissue formation in skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of potassium in preventing corneal fibrosis.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of potassium's action on corneal fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Corneal fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β1 to induce myofibroblast differentiation.
- Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect myofibroblast markers.
- Scratch and collagen gel contraction assays evaluated myofibroblast function.
- RNA sequencing and ATP assays explored the molecular mechanisms.
- Mice models with corneal injury received KCl eye drops to assess scar prevention.
Main Results:
- Hyperosmolar potassium suppressed TGF-β1-induced corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I synthesis in vitro.
- Potassium inhibited corneal fibroblast wound healing and collagen gel contraction.
- RNA sequencing indicated downregulation of metabolic pathways and reduced ATP levels after KCl treatment.
- KCl eye drops prevented corneal scar formation in a mouse model.
Conclusions:
- Potassium effectively suppresses corneal myofibroblast differentiation and collagen I synthesis.
- KCl eye drops demonstrate potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing corneal scar formation.
