Descemet Stripping Only Technique for Corneal Endothelial Damage in Mice.

Abstract

Descemet stripping only is an emerging surgical technique used to remove central Descemet membrane and corneal endothelial cells in patients with corneal endothelial disease. Here, we describe a murine model of this procedure to help facilitate basic science investigation and evaluation of postoperative outcomes using this surgical technique. Slitlamp biomicroscopy, central corneal thickness assessment (by optical coherence tomography), and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the model through 7 weeks of follow-up. Complete removal of the endothelium and Descemet membrane was confirmed by slitlamp biomicroscopy and by histology. Central corneal thickness peaked at day 1 postinjury and then declined over the course of 2 weeks to a stable level of persistent edema. Seven weeks postinjury, immunohistochemical staining for ZO-1 showed the area of Descemet stripping was fully covered by enlarged and dysmorphic corneal endothelial cell. No significant ocular complications were appreciated through the end of the follow-up. We demonstrate the feasibility of and provide detailed instructions for a murine model of Descemet stripping only. This model provides a potential in vivo platform to investigate the mechanisms and biology of this emerging surgical procedure.