UVA/riboflavin-induced apoptosis in mouse cornea.
BACKGROUND
A mouse model of combined UVA/riboflavin irradiation to eliminate stromal cells and other antigen-presenting cells in the cornea provides the basis for a probably low risk of corneal transplantation.


METHODS
After abrasion of the epithelium, the central corneas of mouse eyes were treated with UVA/riboflavin in vitro. Histological studies of hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining with caspase 3 were performed. Dissected mouse corneas were analyzed by Western blot.


RESULTS
Apoptotic cells were shown on the central corneal stroma; a cell-free zone was displayed in the cornea. Numbers of dead cells increased according to cultivation time. However, the endothelium survived due to the adjustment of the irradiation dose.


CONCLUSIONS
A cell-free zone in the stroma of the mouse cornea was produced by UVA/riboflavin irradiation in vitro. The technique makes possible to prevent or reduce immunological reactions and the risk of graft rejection by pretreatment of the donor cornea, ultimately prolonging graft survival.
Wang
F
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Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany. fanwang_hh@yahoo.com
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D053148:Caspase 3; D012256:Riboflavin