Evaluation of caprine amniotic membrane and rabbit-Mesenchymal stem cells for corneal defect repair in rabbits

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the comparative healing potential of amniotic membrane and rabbit-mesenchymal cells (r-MSC) for corneal defect repair in rabbit model. Adult New Zealand White rabbits (27) of either sex were equally divided into three groups and performed a lamellar keratectomy involving 30% of corneal stroma. Gr A was kept as control (without treatment for corneal defect) while in Gr B and C the defect was managed with amniotic membrane grafting and with subconjunctival r-MSC injection, respectively. During 45 day observation period, the healing status was clinically assessed using different parameters like transparency of cornea, fluorescein staining, Schirmer tear test, pupillary light reflex, blink reflex, corneal neovascularization, computerized planimetry and histopathological observations. Immediately after the removal of tarsorrhaphy sutures on 15th day, corneal transparency, ophthalmic dye staining and corneal neovascularization were better in Gr. C. By 45 th day corneal healing and vision was better in Gr. C, followed by Gr A, and Gr B. It was concluded that r-MSC administered subconjunctivally could successfully assist healing of lamellar keratectomy defect in rabbits with lesser extent of corneal neovascularization and fibroblast proliferation when compared to that of caprine amniotic membrane grafting.