The prevention of autolysis in stored corneas by lysosome stabilization. A histochemical study.
We wished to determine if dexamethasome, acting as a lysosome stabilizer, could reduce the release and activation of the lysosomal acid hydrolases, and thus retard autolysis of stored corneas. One cornea (experimental) of a rabbit was soaked in a 2 per cent steroid solution and the other cornea (control) in physiological saline for 3 hours at 23 degrees C. The experimental and control corneas were then processed histochemically to show the localization of the lysosomal marker enzymes beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase. Compared to the controls the steroid treated corneas showed reduced enzyme activity suggesting that autolysis during storage had been retarded.
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001329:Autolysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003315:Cornea / Q000201:enzymology; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004727:Endothelium / Q000201:enzymology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000201:enzymology*; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods*
D003907:Dexamethasone; D000135:Acid Phosphatase; D005966:Glucuronidase