Acellular human amniotic membrane: A safe and stable matrix for corneal stromal regeneration

Abstract

Amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation is used as a safe and effective method to treat a variety of ocular complications. On the ocular surface, this membrane degrades within a few days. This study investigated the safety and long-term stability of human amniotic membrane (HAM) grafts in the corneal stroma. Three rabbits with healthy eyes underwent unilateral stromal pocketing with implantation of decellularized HAM (dHAM). Examinations of graft bio-integration were performed by corneal imaging using slit lamp and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 1 week, 3 months, and 9 months. The thickness of the thickest part of the amniotic membrane was 187 μm at the first follow-up, 184 μm at 3 months, and 166 μm at 9 months. Histological evaluation was performed after the last follow-up. The results showed no clinical complications, such as opacity, neovascularization, infection, or rejection. The thickness of the grafts remained stable over time. Histopathological analyses showed the grafts were integrated into the corneal stroma without any inflammation. This study indicated that HAM was a naturally safe, stable, and compatible matrix in the corneal stroma and was considered a promising candidate for corneal stromal regeneration.