[Homologous scleral and dura mater grafts in rabbit eyes: a comparative histopathological analysis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate tissue reaction to implantation of homologous scleral and dura mater grafts.


METHODS
Experimental surgeries were performed on 41 albine New Zealand rabbits; two rabbits were selected at random to be graft donors. Thirty rabbits were divided into two groups: group D and group E, receiving grafts of homologous tissues. The remaining nine animals comprised the control group (DE) and were submitted to surgery but with no graft. The eyes were enucleated and samples collected two, six and 12 weeks after the experiment, comprising subgroups I, II and III.


RESULTS
A qualitative histopathological analysis was performed together with a comparative semi-quantitative study on vascularization and inflammatory infiltrate in the transplanted sclera and dura mater. Histomorphometry was conducted based on measurements of the grafts with an image analyzing system. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing vascularization, inflammatory infiltrate and measurements between subgroup I in relation to sclera and dura mater, nor in subgroup II. Subgroup III was not compared, since only fragments of dura mater grafts were considered.


CONCLUSIONS
The dura mater graft presented intense absorption and progressive replacement of loose connective tissue. And the scleral graft showed discreet absorption in the periphery with formation of a more evident fibrous membrane, integrating the graft into the host sclera.
Araf
Davi
D
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. ldaraf@ibest.com.br
Moura
Eurípedes da Mota
Eda M
Rodrigues
Consuelo Junqueira
CJ
Figueiredo
Luiz Arthur de Faria
LA
D000818:Animals; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D006416:Hematoxylin; D023421:Models, Animal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits; D012590:Sclera / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D004396:Coloring Agents; D006416:Hematoxylin