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Ophthalmol Case Rep 2017 Volume 1 Issue 1
August 21-23, 2017 | Toronto, Canada
EYE AND VISION
3
rd
International Conference on
Purpose:
to study the ability of mesenchymal cells derived
from the bone marrow to help healing of corneal injuries in
rabbits
Methodology:
Twenty rabbits were used in this study.
The corneal surface was destroyed either mechanically
or chemically. Mesenchymal cells derived from the bone
marrow were carried on an amniotic membrane and
transplanted to the corneal surface either after being co
cultured with cells derived from the Limbus (group A
rabbits) or directly without previous co-culture (group B
rabbits). Flow cytometry and clonogenic assay were used
to test trans-differentiation of mesenchymal cells into limbal
lineage. The effect of the transplanted cells on the corneal
surface was assessed clinically, microscopically, and by
immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Flow cytometry showed that 79±8% of co-cultured
cells had acquired limbal lineage criteria, of which 59±5%
presented limbal stem cell criteria. A clinical improvement
was observed in 64% of the injured eyes with a significantly
better improvement in group A compared to group B animals.
Involvement of the inoculated cells in the regenerative
process was proved by light microscopic demonstration
of tagged cells and by dual immunohistochemical staining
showing simultaneous mesenchymal and epithelial staining
of the implanted cells.
Conclusion:
Transplantation of mesenchymal cells derived
from rabbits bone marrow could improve their injured ocular
surface. Those cells previously co-cultured with limbal cells
showed a higher ability of promoting corneal healing.
Key words:
stem cells, limbal stem cell transplantation,
ocular surface disorders, co-culture, mesenchymal cell trans-
differentiation.
e:
halagabr@yahoo.comStudy design: Experimental prospective interventional study
Hala Gabr
Egypt