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Keratocyte loss after corneal deepithelialization in primates and rabbits
1Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Corneal epithelial removal causes significant loss of stromal keratocytes in rabbits and monkeys, potentially due to osmotic changes affecting wound healing. Corneal preservation media may mitigate these effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Biology
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Stromal keratocytes are crucial for corneal structure and wound repair.
- The corneal epithelium plays a vital role in maintaining corneal homeostasis and influencing stromal cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of central corneal deepithelialization on stromal keratocytes.
- To assess the role of corneal preservation media in mitigating post-deepithelialization effects.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral mechanical deepithelialization was performed on rabbits and monkeys.
- Animals were euthanized at various time points (15 minutes to 24 hours) post-surgery.
- Corneal preservation medium was used during and after deepithelialization in some groups.
Main Results:
- Severe ultrastructural changes in keratocytes were observed within 30 minutes of deepithelialization.
- A significant decrease in keratocyte numbers was noted in the anterior stroma after 24 hours.
- Delayed wound healing was observed when the epithelium was absent during keratotomy.
Conclusions:
- Corneal epithelial removal leads to the loss of superficial stromal keratocytes.
- Osmotic changes resulting from epithelial loss may contribute to keratocyte death and altered wound healing.