A system for long-term corneal perfusion.
Seventy-two human corneas were maintained in a perfusion system at 37 degrees C and 18 mm Hg intracameral pressure for 1 to 3 weeks. Corneal thickness, which was initially greater than normal because the enucleated eyes were kept at 4 degrees C before excision of the corneas, decreased slowly during the period of incubation. Endothelial removal or perfusion with ouabain (10(-4) M) induced irreversible stromal swelling. Cooling to 4 degrees C for 8 hr during perfusion caused stromal swelling that disappeared after rewarming to 37 degrees C; less stromal swelling occurred with cooling after 3 weeks of perfusion than after 3 days. No enlargement of central endothelial cells was noted in most corneas by serial specular microscopy. Electron microscopy demonstrated reversal of postmortem changes and maintenance of normal intracellular ultrastructure for 3 weeks. This system for long-term corneal perfusion will allow controlled studies of the effects of new methods of corneal preservation and other perturbations upon the corneal endothelium in situ.
Brunette
I
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Nelson
L R
LR
Bourne
W M
WM
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003470:Culture Media; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010477:Perfusion / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014021:Tissue Preservation
D003470:Culture Media