Treatment of total Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency with cultivated and uncultivated epithelial cells of the oral mucosa in an experiment

Purpose. To compare the experimental results of corneal repair and regeneration after transplantation of combined bioconstruction with cultivated or non-cultivated (minimally manipulated) buccal epithelial cells in total limbal stem sell deficiency. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 24 eyes of Gray Chinchilla rabbits. At the first stage rabbits underwent bilateral total limbectomy and mechanical de-epithelialization of the cornea, resulted in fibrovascular pannus development. After superficial keratectomy to transparent layers the combined bioconstructions with autologous cultivated epithelial buccal cells were placed on the corneas of group 1 (12 eyes), bioconstruction with non-cultivated (minimally manipulated) buccal epithelial cells were placed on corneas of group 2 (12 eyes). Temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed for 5 days. In the postoperative period the area of the de-epithelized surface, neovascularization and corneal transparency were evaluated. Results.In both groups we noted reduction of corneal erosion at all periods. The dynamics of recovery processes was equal, the difference between the groups was statistically significant only at 15th and 60th days (p = 0.028 and p = 0.026). Groups did not differ in neovascularization severity and corneal transparency (p > 0.05). Conclusion.Due to the absence of obvious differences in cornea restoration, the use of non-cultivated epithelial cells of the oral mucosa seems to be a promising treatment method in treatment of total limbal stem sell deficiency. For wide application in ophthalmological practice, further study of their effectiveness in clinical trials is required.