Corneal reconstruction in chemically damaged cornea using temperature responsive surface assisted mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in rabbits

Purpose Transplantation of autologous stem cells over damaged cornea seems to be a promising approach for corneal reconstruction. Use of a biocompatible carrier is still a challenge in bedside translation of transplantation. We investigated corneal reconstruction and tissue remodelling by transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using temperature responsive membranes in chemically damaged rabbit cornea model. Methods MSCs were cultured from rabbit's bone marrow and transplanted over alkali injured cornea, using either temperature responsive membrane or fibrin glue method. Endogenous levels of MSCs were assessed to decide the optimal time point for transplanting cells. MSC transplanted corneas were harvested at different time points post-transplantation. Corneal repair markers were evaluated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real time qPCR. The quality of cornea reconstructed was evaluated and compared using corneal opacity scoring and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Use of temperature responsive surface as carrier resulted in uniform and homogenous delivery of MSCs sheet over the damaged corneal surface. Corneal transparency improved day 7 onwards post-MSC transplantation in rabbit chemically injured cornea. Complete re-epithelialization of injured cornea was observed 15 days after MSC transplantation. Restoration of vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels in MSC transplanted cornea was observed post-transplantation. Further, differentiation of MSCs into mature corneal epithelial cells was also observed upon transplantation. Conclusions The extent of corneal repair was apparently better using temperature responsive surfaces. The surface provides biocompatible niche for MSCs and can be a method of choice in clinics for cell transplantation over the damaged ocular surfaces.

Automated summary

The use of temperature responsive surfaces as carriers resulted in uniform and homogeneous delivery of MSC sheets over the damaged corneal surface. Corneal transparency improved from day 7 onwards post-MSC transplantation in the rabbit chemically injured cornea. Complete re-epithelialization of the injured cornea was observed 15 days after MSC transplantation.