Inflammatory Response in the Rabbit Corneal Stroma after Corneal Epithelial Insertion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inflammatory response following the insertion of corneal epithelium into rabbit corneal stroma. METHODS: Newzealand white rabbits were underwent corneal flap procedure using Hansatome and corneal epithelium was inserted. We divided the rabbits into three groups: Group A: flap only, Group B: flap with central epithelium insertion, Group C: flap with peripheral epithelium insertion. Eyes are enucleated, 4, 24, 48, 72 hours, 1 week, 1 month. Immunohistochemical stain fro CD4, CD8, and CD11b were used to test frozen section. RESULTS: Cd4 was expressed weakly at 24 hours in group A, B, C. around limbus and peripheral cornea. CD8 was expressed at 24 hours in group a, b, c especially strongly at group 3. In group B, C, CD8 was persistently expressed at 72 housr. CD11b was expressed at 24 hours in all groups. But in group C. CD11b was expressed strongly and persists at 72 hours and 1 week. CONCLUSION: Macrophage and Cytotoxic T cell maybe play an important role in corneal stromal wound healing after iatrogenic corneal epithelial insertion and further evaluation will be needed.