J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2006 Apr;47(4):613-620.

Minimal Requirement of Limbal Epithelium for Successful Limbal Cell Transplantation in Rabbit Corneas

• Yang YR
• Choi NY
• Kim JH
• Kim MS

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the minimal requirements of the limbal epithelium for successful limbal stem cell transplantation and the healing process.
METHODS
Nine rabbits were divided into 4, 6, and 8 clock-hour transplantation groups. Limbal autografts from the healthy fellow eye were transplanted to the iatrogenic damaged eye. The amniotic membrane served as a stem cell niche. Experimental corneas were evaluated by slit lamp examination and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
In the over 9 hours transplantation group, the healing process of the epithelium from the limbal stem cell was revealed and cornea-specific keratin k3, transcription factor p63, and connexin 43 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The normal corneal epithelium was regenerated after 60 days postoperatively in the fellow donor eye.
CONCLUSIONS
Limbal cell transplantation of over 9 hours seems to be a safe and effective method in the treatment of severe ocular surface disorders. In addition, the donation of limbal epithelium for up to 8 hours did not affect the normal corneal regenerating capability.

Keyword

Corneal epithelial stem cell; Limbal cell transplantation

MeSH Terms

Amnion
Autografts
Cell Transplantation*
Connexin 43
Cornea*
Epithelium*
Epithelium, Corneal
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Rabbits
Stem Cell Niche
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cells
Tissue Donors
Transcription Factors
Transplants*
Connexin 43
Transcription Factors