[Reconstruction of corneal stroma using tissue engineering technique].
OBJECTIVE
To reconstruct new corneal stroma in order to provide a basis for future studies on the reconstruction of cornea.


METHODS
The cultured corneal stromal cell-PGA complex was grafted to the subdermis of a female balb/c nude mouse. Six weeks after grafting, the new reformed tissue was fixed for histologic examination and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the same time, the new deposited collagen fibril diameter was measured.


RESULTS
The reconstructed corneal stromal layer was formed in a waved, crossed-web structure, which was similar to the normal corneal stroma. Cell deposited collagen fibrils were similar in diameter to those seen in normal corneal stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
The corneal stroma can be reconstructed by using tissue engineering technique. The reconstructed tissue which is similar to the normal cornea in key characteristics, including morphology and histologic structure provides an ideal experimental model for corneal physiological, pathologic, toxic and drug efficient testing and for future development of the tissue for implantation.
Shang
Q
Q
Plastic Surgery Department, Shanghai Ninth People Hospital, Tissue Engineering Key Laboratory, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Hu
X
X
Cao
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000166:cytology* / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011817:Rabbits; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid