A new paradigm for corneal wound healing research: the white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the chicken cornea as a model for corneal wound healing research.


METHODS
We conducted studies on normal chicken corneas and on corneas following mechanical debridement and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


RESULTS
The chicken cornea possesses six distinct layers that resemble the layers of the human cornea, including a substantial Bowman's layer measuring 5.2 +/- 0.3 microm thick. Reepithelialization time was 44.8 +/- 1.1 hours with a sliding rate of 75.3 +/- 3.2 microm/hour following mechanical debridement and 54.4 +/- 2.8 hours with a sliding rate of 63.3 +/- 3.2 microm/hour for PRK-treated corneas. Biomicroscopic haze post-PRK peaked at 4-6 weeks and regressed until 20 weeks post-PRK. Histologic and clinical observations of wound healing strongly paralleled that noted in humans.


CONCLUSIONS
The chicken cornea's morphology and wound healing response render it a useful model for corneal wound healing investigations.
Fowler
W Craig
WC
Department of Ophthalmology and Free Electron Laser Laboratory, Duke University Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Chang
Daniel H
DH
Roberts
Bruce Clyde
BC
Zarovnaya
Elena L
EL
Proia
Alan D
AD
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002452:Cell Count; D002645:Chickens; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000503:physiopathology; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology; D019781:Corneal Topography; D003646:Debridement; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*