PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of autologous transplantation in a rabbit model of conjunctival epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction. METHODS Limbal stem cell deficiency was induced in the right eyes of 30 rabbits. This was done by performing a lamellar keratectomy of the entire cornea and a complete removal of the limbus and conjunctiva, extend...

Intralamellar keratoplasty in inbred rats is a valuable method for the investigation of corneal allograft rejection. Present methods of intralamellar corneal grafting are tedious and time-consuming. In addition, induction of neovascularization, a prerequisite to inducing graft rejection, is variable. In an effort to overcome these problems, the authors have developed an improved method of intra...

Purpose Mutations in the gene encoding Gasdermin A3 (Gsdma3) have been described to cause severe skin phenotypes, including loss of sebaceous glands and alopecia, in mice. We discovered a novel C-terminal mutation in Gsdma3 in a new mouse line and characterized a less frequently reported corneal phenotype, likely caused by degeneration of Meibomian glands of the inner eyelid. Methods We used ...

BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve damage of the cornea is a complication following surgery or infection which may lead to decreased visual function. We examined the efficacy of the semaphorin 3A inhibitor, SM-345431, in promoting regeneration of peripheral nerves in a mouse corneal transplantation model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS P0-Cre/Floxed-EGFP mice which express EGFP in peripheral nerves ...

Angiogenesis has been defined as the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vascular structures. Corneal neovascularization (NV) occurs when the balance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors shifts toward angiogenic factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been found to be a significant angiogenic factor in corneal NV in human and animal models. Therapy specifical...

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor is an emerging therapeutic modality for various ocular diseases with neovascularization (NV). However, for corneal NV, controversy remains regarding whether bevacizumab or ranibizumab is superior. A 32-year-old female diagnosed with herpetic keratoconjunctivitis with refractory corneal NV despite two previous subconjunctival and intrastromal bevacizu...

Abstract Corneal neovascularization (CNV) causes higher-order aberrations, corneal edema, ocular inflammation, and transplant rejection, thereby decreasing visual acuity. In this study, we investigated the effects of topical administration kappa opioid receptor agonist nalfurafine (TRK-820) on CNV. To induce CNV, intrastromal sutures were placed stroma BALB/c mice for 2 weeks. Nalfurafine (0.1 ...

PURPOSE Bevacizumab eyedrops inhibit corneal neovascularization. The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety profile of VEGF-A neutralization at the ocular surface. METHODS Bevacizumab eyedrops (5 mg/mL) and an antimurine VEGF-A antibody (250 microg/mL) were applied to normal murine corneas five times a day for 7 and 14 days. Subsequently, corneas were analyzed for morphologic changes...

Purpose: To investigate the effect of hydrazinocurcumin on a human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced corneal neovascularization in rabbit model. Methods: Murine corneal neovascularization (CorNV) was induced via two intrastromal implantations of VEGF polymer 2 mm from the limbus. Hydrazinocurcumin was administered topically on the cornea 4 times daily for 7 days. The therapeutic...