In Vivo Evaluation of a Decellularized Limbal Graft for Limbal Reconstruction. (12th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shafiq, Maryam A.; Milani, Behrad Y.; Djalilian, Ali R.
• Other Names: Horch Raymund E. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of tissue engineering. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-02-12
• Subjects: Tissue engineering -- Periodicals; 611.018
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/754245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-4408

Abstract

Abstract : Corneal and limbal epithelial function is highly dependent on its underlying matrix. In this study, we report the in vitro and in vivo effects of a decellularized limbal matrix on corneal and limbal epithelial differentiation and repair. We demonstrate that a limbal matrix helps to maintain epithelial cells in a more proliferative and less differentiated state. We introduce a novel focal injury model to the limbus using an excimer laser and further show that transplanting a decellularized limbal graft after the limbal injury helps to promote epithelialization and reduce corneal haze formation. These results suggest that a decellularized limbal graft may be therapeutically beneficial in clinical cases of focal limbal deficiency.