Collagen-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based membranes for corneal stroma scaffolds.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of using the biocompatibility of collagen-based blended biomaterials as cell-delivery systems in ocular surface reconstruction in vivo.


METHODS
Collagen-based composites that were blended with synthetic acrylamide-based polymers [poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), pNIPAAm] were transplanted into corneal pockets of white rabbits, with a 3-mm epithelial window. Epithelial cells were allowed to migrate onto the polymer. Transplanted eyes were examined daily for up to 30 days, after which animals were killed for histologic examination. Immunohistochemistry was performed for vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), CD4, and CD8. Gold-chloride staining was performed to observe neuronal regrowth. Human amniotic membranes (AMs) and sham-operated corneas served as controls. All animals received topical antibiotics (levofloxacin) without the use of steroids or other immunosuppressive agents.


RESULTS
The pNIPAAm polymer allowed smooth epithelialization of the cornea, which was similar to the epithelialization observed in sham controls and AM-transplanted eyes. Histology revealed that epithelium overlying the polymer was bundled into several layers, without the orientation observed with AM and sham controls. The polymer gradually thinned and was gradually replaced by host tissue. Vimentin- and alpha-SMA-positive cells were found in stromal pockets up to 1 month following polymer transplantation. These cells were responsible for slight subepithelial haze near the wound edge. CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocytes were also observed in the vicinity of the polymer. Gold-chloride staining showed nerve regrowth in the wound edge after 1 month and subepithelial branches after 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Collagen-pNIPAAm blended polymers may be effective as biomaterials to be used in the early stages of lamellar stromal replacement
Shimmura
Shigeto
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital Cornea Center, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan. shimmura@tdc.ac.jp
Doillon
Charles J
CJ
Griffith
May
M
Nakamura
Masatsugu
M
Gagnon
Edith
E
Usui
Akemi
A
Shinozaki
Naoshi
N
Tsubota
Kazuo
K
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen; D003315:Cornea / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012038:Regeneration
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide; D003094:Collagen