[The influence of transport on organ cultured corneas. An experimental study of porcine corneal endothelium].
BACKGROUND
To investigate the influence of transport on the quality of corneas in organ culture, based on the vitality of the corneal endothelium.


METHODS
Transport was simulated for 222 porcine corneal disks. These were placed in standard transportation containers filled with organ culture medium II, kept in an incubator and then shaken on a laboratory shaker.


RESULTS
Agitated corneas at all acceleration rates always showed less endothelial cell damage than corneas kept motionless. The best condition was found after maximum accelerations of 0.10 g and 0.72 g. Damage consisted predominantly of disseminated cell loss and circular cell damage. A storage temperature of 37 degrees C caused most harm to the endothelium.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction in endothelial damage found in corneas after agitation can be attributed to a better distribution of nutrients in the transportation container. Assuming transferability, a better quality of human grafts can be achieved by inducing slight motions of corneas in organ culture.
Küstner
M
M
Augenklinik der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald.
Klug
T
T
Clemens
S
S
D000818:Animals; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine