The effect of growth factor on antigen and viability of corneal endothelial cells

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on corneal endothelial cell of rabbit, was evaluated. DNA synthesis of cultured corneal endothelial cells after adding EGF to culture medium and major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen expression of cornea preserved in EGF added Optisol were measured. EGF increased DNA synthesis of corneal endothelial cells at all concentrations tested (0.03 ng/ml-300 ng/ml) compared with control. The maximum increase of DNA synthesis was shown at the concentrations of 3.0-30 ng/ml. The effect of EGF on increase of DNA synthesis was more profound in second sub-cultured cells compared with first sub-cultured cells. In corneas preserved in Optisol for 3 days, 4 degrees C, class I antigen expression is decreased while class II antigen expression was slightly increased. In corneas preserved in EGF added Optisol for 3 days, 4 degrees C, class II antigen expression was more increased compared with those without EGF.