Epithelialization of a synthetic polymer in the feline cornea: a preliminary study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study examined the potential of a synthetic polymer to support stable epithelial growth when implanted in the feline cornea.

METHODS:

A perfluoropolyether-based polymer was cast into lenticules that were coated with collagen I and implanted in four feline corneas. Epithelial growth onto the lenticules was monitored clinically for 6 weeks, after which time the animals were killed, and three corneas were evaluated histologically. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify proteins associated with the formation of a basement membrane (laminin) and adhesion complexes (bullous pemphigoid antigen and collagen VII). Electron microscopy was used to examine the tissue-polymer interface for evidence of the assembly of these adhesive structures.

RESULTS:

Postoperative epithelial growth began on days 2 to 3, and lenticules were fully epithelialized by days 5 to 9. Lenticules were clinically well tolerated and histology showed epithelium consisting of multiple layers adherent to the lenticule's surface. Laminin, bullous pemphigoid antigen and collagen VII were identified at the tissue-polymer interface using immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructural examination showed evidence of assembly of these proteins into a recognizable basement membrane and hemidesmosomal plaques.

CONCLUSIONS:

A perfluoropolyether-based polymer coated with collagen I was implanted in the feline cornea and supported epithelial growth that showed signs of persistent adhesion, both clinically and histologically. This polymer shows potential for ophthalmic applications that require sustained epithelialization.

• Authors: M D Evans, R Z Xie, M Fabbri, M C Madigan, H Chaouk, G J Beumer, G F Meijs, H J Griesser, J G Steele, D F Sweeney
• Journal: Investigative ophthalmology & visual science (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci) Vol. 41 Issue 7 Pg. 1674-80 (Jun 2000) ISSN: 0146-0404 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10845584 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Autoantigens
• Carrier Proteins
• Coated Materials, Biocompatible
• Cytoskeletal Proteins
• Dst protein, mouse
• Dystonin
• Ethers
• Fluorocarbons
• Laminin
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Non-Fibrillar Collagens
• perfluoropolyether
• Collagen

Topics

• Animals
• Autoantigens (metabolism)
• Basement Membrane (metabolism)
• Carrier Proteins
• Cats
• Coated Materials, Biocompatible
• Collagen (metabolism)
• Corneal Stroma (surgery)
• Cytoskeletal Proteins
• Dystonin
• Epithelium, Corneal (cytology, metabolism)
• Ethers
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
• Fluorocarbons
• Laminin (metabolism)
• Male
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Non-Fibrillar Collagens
• Prostheses and Implants
• Prosthesis Implantation
• Tissue Adhesions
• Collagen Type XVII