Experimental Study On Corneal Metaphase-preservatio Perfluorocarbon

Objective: To study the application value of perfluorocarbon in corneal metaphase-preservation and to find out a new way for corneal preservation. Method: In this study, 132 pieces of rabbit corneas were randomly matched into control group using metaphase-preservation medium(Dexsol), oxygen group using metaphase-preservation medium with oxygen continuously, and experimental group using a two-layer(Dexsol/perfluorocarbon) preservation medium with oxygen continuously. The pellucidit,depth,ultrastructure of cornea were observed, and then the density and survival rate of endothelial cells were measured after 7d and 14d. At different preservation periods, the measurement of endothelial cell density(ED) and endothelial survival rate(ESR), the examination of histopathology and ultrastructural morphology and penetrating keratoplasty were carried out. Results: There was no significant difference between corneas in control group and oxygen group,while the pellucidit,depth of cornea and the activity of endothelial cell in experimental group were improved obviously, experimental groups showing satisfactory effect in ED, ESR, penetrating keratoplasty, histopathology and ultrastructural morphology. But in control group and oxygen group,endothelial cell could't be seen after vital staining; all grafts were nepheloid 14d after penetrating keratoplasty. And histopathology indicated that endothelial layer was missing, Descemet membrane was apart from stroma layer which became loose with much interspace. There were many differences in morphology of endothelium between experimental group and control group at 7 and 14 days of preservation under the electron microscope. Conclusion: Perfluorocarbon can markedly ameliorate the effect of metaphase-preservation medium and improve the quality of cornea after metaphase-preservation.