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Ultrastructure of cryopreserved, functioning human corneal endothelium
Acta Ophthalmologica
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Cryopreserved endothelial cells in corneal grafts can maintain transparency and function for 18 months. Despite cellular changes, surviving cells form a continuous layer, preserving endothelial function after corneal transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Corneal transplantation is a common procedure for treating corneal blindness.
- Cryopreservation of corneal tissue offers potential benefits for storage and availability.
- Endothelial cell function is critical for corneal transparency and graft survival.
Observation:
- A cryopreserved cornea transplanted for herpetic keratitis was examined after 18 months.
- The graft remained transparent and of normal thickness.
- Light and electron microscopy revealed endothelial cell pleomorphism and heterogeneity.
Findings:
- The endothelial layer, though heterogeneous with multinuclear and mononuclear cells, remained continuous.
- Ultrastructure of most cells resembled non-cryopreserved endothelium, with intact cell membranes.
- A decrease in cell density indicated slow endothelial cell death over 18 months.
Implications:
- Surviving cryopreserved endothelial cells can maintain corneal graft function for extended periods.
- The formation of a stable monolayer by surviving cells is key to preserving endothelial function.
- This study supports the viability of cryopreserved endothelial cells for corneal transplantation.