| Objective:To investigate the performance of limbal stem cell and observe the differences influenced by age factors.Methods:The experimental New Zealand white rabbits were divided into groups of3different ages, each group has10subjects, male and female. The corneal limbal epithelium was surgically removed under optical microscope in30rabbits, only right eyes, but central corneal epithelial was all removed in60eyes. To exhaust the proliferative reserve, another9mm epithelial injury were created after21days in the remaining9limbal deficient corneas and controls. Standard histological HE colorations, immunohistochemistrical SAB colorations and graphical analysis were executed, the data was statistical analyzed obtained from steps above. Adopt Bio Medical Image Analytical System to calculate the coalescence coefficient of ophthalmic corneal epithelium of the rabbits after surgery. In the meantime, observe the reconstruction of corneal epithelium and take photo records discontinuously under optical microscope.Result:The results of corneal epithelium reconstruction rate through SNK analysis in different age groups fluxing over time. The repaired proportion increase constantly since limbal epithelium circle was removed, but the speed of reconstruction was geared down evidently. The quantity and grayscale of limbus corneae PCNA positive cells bear significant difference (P<0.05), and related to age differences. Centripetal migration of goblet cells and vascularization can be found in experimental groups.Conclusion:Limbal stem cells deficiency in different age groups can lead to multiplication capacity loss of corneal epithelium and descend of corneal limbal barrier function, then generates healing retard, recurrent erosion, corneal vascularization, and conjunctival epithelial ingrowth, those possible signs of limbal stem cell dysfunction are more distinct along with age, but the influences pattern of age differences is not exactly as we expect. |
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