title: Advancing the treatment of conjunctival scarring: a novel ex vivo model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop and validate a novel ex vivo model of conjunctival contraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ex vivo segments of conjunctiva were maintained in culture for 4 weeks in permeable support plates. Digital images were obtained twice a week to monitor contraction using tissue area changes and weekly weight measurements. Investigated were the effects of known contraction stimulators (fetal bovine serum and transforming growth factor β(2)) and of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001. Microscopic contraction, tissue organization, and cell viability (using the cell vital dye carboxyfluorescein diacetate) were monitored by confocal reflection and 2-photon microscopy, revealing detailed real-time kinetics of tissue remodeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fetal bovine serum and transforming growth factor β(2) induced significant tissue contraction in conjunctiva segments, with no changes in cell viability. This correlated with dramatic and specific degradation of the collagen component in the tissue. Contraction and collagen degradation were reduced in the presence of GM6001.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ex vivo segments of conjunctiva can be used as an integral model system to provide a higher level of understanding about the efficacy of antiscarring therapies and can help bridge the current gap between in vitro and in vivo models.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scarring leads to the failure of several ocular surgical procedures. This novel ex vivo model recapitulates tissue contraction (with kinetics close to that of in vivo scarring) and allows for a more physiological analysis of conjunctival scarring, which could better evaluate potential therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V9EL, England. v.tovell@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Victoria E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Tovell
authors.forename: Annegret H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Dahlmann-Noor
authors.forename: Peng T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Khaw
authors.forename: Maryse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bailly
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003286:Contracture / Q000188:drug therapy; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D036641:Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton; D008954:Models, Biological; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D044967:Serum / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine; D058475:Tenon Capsule / Q000166:cytology; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2 / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D004151:Dipeptides; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; C078131:N-(2(R)-2-(hydroxamidocarbonylmethyl)-4-methylpentanoyl)-L-tryptophan methylamide; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2; D003094:Collagen