Biocompatibility of polyester net in the cornea of rabbits

Abstract

To explore biocompatibility and biohealing characteristics of a polyester net with cornea after the net implanted into the cornea lamina. Twenty New Zealand rabbits weighing 2.0 - 2.5 kg were randomly divided into experimental and control group. Surgery was performed in right eye of all these animals and the left one as control. A square of implant of 5 - 6 mm in diameter was cut from polyester net (0.2 mm in thickness and 1 mm pore diameter) and implanted into the cornea lamina of experimental group; only a sack was made without implantation in control group. Cornea edema and growth status of new blood vessels were observed at scheduled times after operation; animals were sacrificed 2 weeks, 1, 3, 5 and 8 months after operation and their cornea was removed and examined under light microscopy. Different degrees of cornea edema and new vessels were revealed after surgery. The edema and neovascularization were all automatically disappeared in the period of post-operation or after suture removed. The implant was stable inside the cornea and lasted as longest as 8 months. The number of fibroblasts was markedly increased at the upper and bottom surface of the cornea lamina close to the implant and in the area of net pore particularly. And finally, a close connection of collagen fibers was formed. No serious complications such as necrosis, ulcer, as well as implant dislocation from cornea were seen. The polyester net possesses a well biocompatibility with the cornea tissue.