Tolerance of Micronized Mineral Pigments for Intrastromal Keratopigmentation: A Histopathology and Immunopathology Experimental Study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the tolerance and biocompatibility of mineral pigments for corneal pigmentation histopathologically and immunologically in an experimental animal model.


METHODS
Manual intralamellar keratopigmentation was performed in 28 New Zealand white rabbits using micronized mineral pigments. Histopathological examination was performed 3 months after the surgery to determine the level of pigment diffusion, the level of inflammation, and the presence/absence of neovascularization. An immunological analysis was also performed.


RESULTS
No pigment diffusion or changes in color, inflammation, or neovascularization were detected in the treated eyes. Histopathological examination corroborated clinical results regarding inflammation. Pigmented corneas showed a good cosmetic appearance without signs of ocular toxicity. From the immunological perspective, the pigments do not generate an inflammatory response in the rabbit cornea or in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
Micronized mineral pigments could be a valid alternative treatment for corneal pigmentation. Manual intralamellar keratopigmentation technique presented good cosmetic appearance without adverse effects in the treated eyes.
*Ocular Adnexal Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK; †Research & Development Department, VISSUM, Alicante, Spain; ‡Tumor Immunology Department and Innate Immunity Group, IdiPAZ, La Paz Hospital Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; §Cell Engineering Laboratory, IdiPAZ, La Paz Hospital Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; and ¶Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Hernández University, and Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, VISSUM, Alicante, Spain.
Maria A
MA
Amesty
Alejandra E
AE
Rodriguez
Enrique
E
Hernández
Maria P
MP
De Miguel
Jorge L
JL
Alio
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D060527:Corneal Keratocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005127:Eye Color; D006801:Humans; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008903:Minerals / Q000633:toxicity*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D013653:Tattooing / Q000379:methods*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004396:Coloring Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D008903:Minerals; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens