Transplantation of corneal stem cells cultured on amniotic membrane for corneal burn: experimental and clinical study
Pan, Z.; Zhang, W.; Wu, Y.; Sun, B.
Chinese Medical Journal 115(5): 767-769
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 12133553 Document Number: 542307
Objective: To investigate the proliferation and differentiation of cultured corneal stem cells and determine the effect of corneal stem cells cultured on amniotic membranes on the limbal area for treating corneal burns. Methods: The proliferation and differentiation of corneal stem cells in vitro had been examined using colony-forming efficiency and immunohistochemistry. The stem cells had been cultured on amniotic membranes and transplanted to the limbal area for treating corneal burns. Results: Corneal stem cells had a high proliferation capacity in primary and first passage, cytokeratin 3 was not expressed in primary culture but partly in first passage. The stem cells could proliferate to form cell layer on an amniotic membrane. When transplanted, stem cells could survive on limbus. After transplantation, ocular inflammation resolved, the cornea re-epithelialized, the stromal opacity reduced, the superficial neovascularity was lessened and the conjunctival fornix re-established. Conclusions: Ocular surface conditions could be improved by allograft of corneal stem cells cultured on amniotic membranes.