Experimental allogenic transplantation of cornea endothelial cells in cats

Background: The aim of the present study was assessing the possibility of experimental allogenic transplantation of cat cornea endothelial cells, multiplied in vitro, into the anterior chamber of the eyeball in recipient cats. The reason for undertaking the research is the need to develop a method that would help in the cornea treatment in animals with corneal opacification following cataract surgery, as well as lens dislocation, injuries and endothelium degeneration. Methods: Cats aged 10-12 months were used in the experiment. Cornea fragments consisting of the posterior limiting membrane and posterior epithelium were placed in Iscove;s medium with addition of 10% foetal calf serum. Multiplied in vitro cells were injected into the anterior chamber of recipient cats. The cornea was subject to histological, histometric and SEM examination on the 3rd, 7th, 20th and 30th day after the surgery. Results: Micromorphological examination of the cornea showed full restitution of its endothelium 30 days after transplantation. Complete regeneration of structures indispensable for normal functioning of the posterior epithelium occurred as a result of implantation. Conclusions: In this study the results show that implantation of the cells of posterior corneal epithelium of donor cats, multiplied into vitro and injected into the anterior chamber of recipient cats. The cornea regained its full function, the layer of the posterior epithelium was regenerated and the stroma stabilized, presenting the image of full and proper corneal translucency.