The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor on corneal endothelial cells preserved in mid-term preserving medium

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To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on corneal endothelial cell preserved in mid-term preserving medium. Corneal rings were preserved in mid-term preserving medium in control group. bFGF (5 ng/ml), bFGF (20 ng/ml), EGF and bFGF + EGF were added into the mid-term preserving medium in experimental groups A, B, C, D respectively. At the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after preservation, the viability of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) was assessed by trypan blue and alizarin red stain. The microstructure of corneal endothelial cells was observed by electron microscope (EM). At the 14th days of preservation, viability of CECs was (10.35 +/- 1.32)% (control group), (62.18 +/- 1.56)% (group A), (92.57 +/- 0.90)% (group B), (71.01 +/- 2.67)% (group C) and (82.59 +/- 1.45)% in group D respectively. The viability of CECs in experimental groups was much higher than in control group (P < 0.01). At the 14th days, corneal rings in control group showed edematous, cloud, defect of integrity of endothelial cells and Y type conjunction broken. But in experimental groups, the corneal edema and folds were slightly, furthermore the cornea ring was transparency and cell shape was intact, especially in group B and group D. Electronic microscope (EM) showed that corneal endothelial cells Y type conjunction in experimental groups was completely integrity, endothelial cells had tight conjunction and rich micro-villa on surface, large cells body and obvious nucleus. Addition of bFGF and EGF in corneal storage medium plays a significant role in maintaining CECs structure and viability.