体外培养表达人β-NGF基因的猫角膜内皮细胞

目的:体外培养表达人β-神经生长因子基因(β-nerve growth factor,β-NGF)的工程化猫角膜内皮细胞,为进一步猫角膜内皮细胞的移植做准备。方法:将人β-NGF重组真核表达载体pcDNA4-β-NGF,通过EffecteneTM脂质体介导转染到体外培养的猫角膜内皮细胞中,选择性培养基筛选转基因后细胞,人NGF单克隆抗体行细胞免疫组织化学染色(immunohistochemistry)。结果:选择性培养基培养2wk后筛选出独立细胞克隆,该细胞高表达人β-NGF基因。结论:转基因方法可体外培养出表达人β-NGF基因的工程化猫角膜内皮细胞。     

Human corneal endothelial cells: isolation, characterization and long-term cultivation

Long-term cultures of human corneal endothelial cells have been established. In culture, these cells form a dense monolayer (about 500,000 cells cm-2), similar to that found in vivo, and synthesize an extracellular matrix containing laminin, entactin, and fibronectin. Factor VIII and angiotensin-converting enzyme were not found in either the cultured or native corneal endothelium. Cells were obtained by scraping corneal buttons that had been preincubated in the culture medium supplemented with endothelial cell mitogen. The human corneal endothelium was grown under conditions virtually the same as those used for cultivation of human vascular endothelial cells, namely, on fibronectin- or gelatin-coated tissue culture plastic in Medium 199 supplemented with 20% human serum and 400 micrograms ml-1 endothelial cell growth supplement. Human corneal endothelial cells from the culture obtained can be used for transplantation onto human corneas, for studying repair of damaged corneal endothelium in situ, as well as for in vitro studies of cell growth regulation.     

Proteoglycans on normal and migrating human corneal endothelium

Proteoglycans are of fundamental importance to the normal functioning of the cornea. They consist of a core protein to which one or more glycosaminoglycan chains are attached. Cell surface proteoglycans are known to mediate many aspects of cell behaviour including cell adhesion, control of extracellular matrix deposition, cell proliferation, cell migration, leukocyte adhesion and modulation of growth factor activity. This paper describes the first investigation into the distribution and function of the three main classes of proteoglycans on human corneal endothelium. Immuno-gold labelling techniques were used at the light, scanning and transmission electron microscope level to localise heparan sulphate, chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate proteoglycans on human corneal endothelium. Human corneas were freeze-wounded and kept in organ culture for 3 days in order to study the distribution of proteoglycans on migrating corneal endothelium. An Optimas image analysis system was used to quantify the change in proteoglycan labelling during cell migration. Labelling for chondroitin sulphate and heparan sulphate was at very low levels on normal corneal endothelium while keratan sulphate labelling was at high levels. The wound healing experiments showed that migrating cells had increased labelling for heparan sulphate and chondroitin sulphate with greatly decreased labelling for keratan sulphate. Statistical analysis showed these changes were highly significant (P<0.001). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate were present throughout Descemet's membrane while heparan sulphate was concentrated at the interface of Descemet's membrane and the migrating corneal endothelial cells. The pattern of occurrence of chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate and keratan sulphate on the human endothelium in normal and wounded cornea suggests that these proteoglycans are linked to the process of cell migration.     

In situ localization of cytoskeletal elements in the human trabecular meshwork and cornea

The authors compared cytoskeletal elements of the in situ human trabecular-meshwork cell with in situ human corneal cells using indirect immunofluorescence staining for tubulin and intermediate filaments (vimentin, cytokeratin, and desmin) and NBD-phallacidin staining for f-actin using both fixed frozen and unfixed frozen sections from postmortem eyes. Both f-actin and tubulin were found throughout the cell body of trabecular-meshwork cells, keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and corneal epithelium. The f-actin staining pattern was concentrated at the cell periphery of these four cell types. Vimentin stain was intensely localized in focal areas of the trabecular-meshwork cell, keratocytes, and throughout the corneal endothelium. A general anticytokeratin antibody was intensely localized in corneal epithelium and endothelium. However, PKK-1 anticytokeratin antibody was seen only in superficial layers of corneal epithelium and not in corneal endothelium. The 4.62 anticytokeratin antibody was not observed in either corneal epithelium or endothelium. None of these three cytokeratin antibodies were seen in trabecular-meshwork cells or keratocytes. Desmin stain was not noted in any of these cell types. In general, cytoskeletal staining of unfixed frozen sections showed a similar staining pattern for f-actin and tubulin but a more uniform and intense staining pattern for vimentin and cytokeratin compared with fixed frozen material. The authors conclude that these cytoskeletal stains can differentiate human trabecular-meshwork cells from cells of the cornea in situ.     

Penetrating keratoplasty in the cat. A clinically applicable model

A series of 28 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties were performed on adult cats. Donor corneas (n = 14) were maintained in culture medium for 14--24 hours prior to transplantation. Rotational autografts (n = 7) were used to control for cell loss caused by culture maintenance as well as for the effects of surgery. Additional homografts (n = 7) were transplanted following removal of the corneal endothelium to study the extent of host corneal endothelial cell regeneration. Pre- and post-operative endothelial cell counts of the homografts made from specular micrographs demonstrated an average cell loss of 30% one month following surgery. A similar 30% average cell loss was present in the rotational autografts. Clinically, both homografts and autografts remained clear and were near normal in thickness. Homografts lacking endothelium exhibited persistent, severe edema that correlated with the inability of the host corneal endothelium to resurface the graft. Clinical and morphologic evidence of mild homograft rejection as observed in 15% of the animals that received normal homografts. Corneal endothelial cell loss following penetrating keratoplasty in the cat approximates that observed following the same procedure in the human. Additionally, regenerative capacity of the corneal endothelium in the cat, like that of the human, is limited. These features suggest that this cooperative, hardy animal is an excellent model in which to study many aspects of corneal transplantation that have direct application to the treatment of human corneal disease.     

Heterologous transplantation versus enhancement of human corneal endothelium

The ability to successfully transplant human corneal endothelium would offer a significant advance in the treatment of many corneal diseases. To investigate the feasibility of this, we established cultures of endothelial cells derived from neonatal human corneas. Eye bank donor corneas were either enhanced with a suspension of cultured endothelial cells or underwent endothelial cell removal and subsequent replacement with cultured endothelium. Following a 48-h incubation, the corneas were transplanted into the eyes of nonhuman primates. Over a 12-month period, 67% of the corneas with complete endothelial cell replacement thinned and remained clear, with a mean corneal thickness of 0.57 mm. Enhanced corneal buttons demonstrated a significantly lower success rate (35%), with opacified and thickened corneas. Control eyes in which the native endothelium was removed demonstrated advanced corneal edema and vascularization, with a mean corneal thickness in excess of 1 mm. By utilizing established tissue-culture techniques, we have demonstrated that human corneal endothelium, when cultured and subsequently transplanted, retains its in vivo pump function. Although further studies are warranted, these results indicate that transplanted human corneal endothelial cells can function normally and suggest the possibility of endothelial cell replacement for therapeutic purposes.     

Mesothelial proteins are expressed in the human cornea

The goal of our study was to determine whether proteins typical of the human mesothelial cell phenotype, such as mesothelin, HBME-1 (Hector Battifora mesothelial cell-1) protein and calbindin 2, are expressed in the human cornea, especially in endothelial cells.Cryosections and endothelial and epithelial imprints of sixteen human cadaverous corneoscleral discs were used. The presence of proteins was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, while mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR.A strong signal for mesothelin was present in the corneal epithelium, while less intense staining was visible in the endothelium. Similarly, higher and lower mRNA levels were detected using qRT-PCR in the corneal epithelium and endothelium, respectively. HBME-1 antibody strongly stained the corneal endothelium and stromal keratocytes. Marked positivity was present in the corneal stromal extracellular matrix, while no staining was present in the sclera. Calbindin 2 was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in the corneal epithelium, endothelium and stroma. qRT-PCR confirmed its expression in epithelial and endothelial cells.Three proteins expressed constitutively in mesothelial cells were detected in the human cornea. The possible function of mesothelin in cell-cell contact on the ocular surface is discussed. The presence of HBME-1 protein in the endothelial layer may indicate a still unknown function that could be shared with mesothelial cells of the pleura and peritoneum. The much more pronounced occurrence of calbindin 2 in the corneal epithelium compared to fewer positive endothelial cells explains the higher turnover of epithelial cells compared to the proliferatively inactive endothelium.     

Cytokeratins 8 and 18 in adult human corneal endothelium

The aim of this study was to determine if cytokeratins (CKs) 8 and 18 - typical epithelial cell markers - are constitutively expressed in adult human corneal endothelium. Cryosections, paraffin-embedded sections and corneal endothelial imprints obtained from eleven adult human corneal discs not suitable for transplantation were used. Different fixative solutions were applied before indirect immunofluorescent or enzymatic staining was performed with antibodies against CK8 (Chemicon), CK18 (Dako and Sigma) and CK8/18 (Novocastra). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting (mRNA or proteins were isolated from Millicell membranes) were used to determine cytokeratin mRNA and protein levels. Approximately 50% of the corneal endothelial cells were positive for CK8 (Chemicon), CK18 (Sigma) and the CK pair 8/18 (Novocastra) in the endothelium when acetone was used for fixation. Four and 52% CK18-positive cells were observed using immunofluorescent and enzymatic immunohistochemistry, respectively, when the CK18 antibody from Dako was used. No signal was detected when 4% formalin or 10% paraformaldehyde was used as a fixative, irrespective of the antibody used. CK8 and CK18 proteins and mRNAs were detected in the endothelium of all tested corneas by Western blotting or semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. We detected both CK8 and CK18 in the endothelium of all specimens at both the protein and mRNA levels. These results clearly demonstrate that cells of the corneal endothelium express CKs 8 and 18 and share some features with simple epithelia.     

Apoptosis in the endothelium of human corneas for transplantation

PURPOSE: To determine whether endothelial cell loss of human corneas stored in organ culture before transplantation is due to apoptosis. METHODS: The corneal endothelium of human corneas, stored in organ culture at 34 degrees C for varying periods of time, were analyzed for the presence of apoptotic cells using the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Corneal endothelial cell apoptosis was confirmed by Hoechst staining and immunolabeling with anti-caspase 3 active antibody. RESULTS: Apoptotic cells were identified in the corneal endothelium of human organ cultured corneas: their number and distribution demonstrated a close correlation with corneal folding and overall quality of the corneal endothelium. TUNEL-positive labeling of cells was confirmed as apoptotic by the presence of morphologic nuclear alterations identified by Hoechst staining and the presence of immunostaining for caspase-3 activity. Corneal endothelial cell apoptosis was independent of cause of donor death, death to enucleation time, and death to culture times. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal endothelial cell apoptosis appears to determine the suitability of a cornea for transplantation.     

Experimental gene transfer to the corneal endothelium

Transfer of cDNA to corneal endothelial cells has been demonstrated in cell monolayers in?vitro, in endothelium of whole thickness corneas ex?vivo and following intracameral injection. Studies examining the feasibility and optimal methods for gene transfer to the cornea have used viral and non-viral vectors, initially histochemical or fluorescent marker genes, and in endothelium of numerous species ranging from mouse to man. As the feasibility of genetic modification of corneal endothelial cells has been successfully demonstrated in a number of cell culture and animal models, there is significant potential for gene transfer in the treatment of human corneal endothelial disease. The two most widely studied applications of gene transfer to endothelium are (i) transduction of immunomodulatory genes to donor corneal endothelium prior to transplantation as a strategy to delay allogeneic rejection and (ii) modulation of apoptosis or induction of replication in human corneal endothelial cells to increase cell density. Although continued improvements in vectors for gene transfer will improve the efficacy and safety of gene therapy, more detailed understanding of the altered biology of endothelium in disease will be necessary to allow selection of appropriate targets for a gene-based treatment approach.     

Gap junctional communication in the human corneal endothelium and epithelium

PURPOSE: Gap junctional communication in the epithelium and endothelium of human corneas was studied. The influence of corneal storage on endothelial gap junctions was also examined. METHODS: Donor human corneal cells were injected with carboxyfluorescein while surrounding cells were monitored for traces of fluorescence. Dye-spread coefficients were measured in corneal endothelial cells. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of the endothelium and epithelium was employed to determine if connexin 43 was present. RESULTS: Dye coupling occurs in both the epithelium and endothelium of the human cornea. Epithelial dye coupling was extensive in the basal layers but less apparent in the superficial layers. Endothelial dye coupling was similar to that reported for rabbit corneas. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated the presence of connexin 43 in both cell types. CONCLUSION: Gap junctional communication occurs in the endothelium and epithelium of human corneas, and both cell types express connexin 43. These results are similar to previous rabbit studies, thereby strengthening the use of the rabbit cornea as a gap junction model.     

组织工程角膜三维构建的实验研究

目的以人胚胎干细胞（hESC）诱导细胞为种子细胞,以脱细胞猪角膜基质（APCM）为支架三维构建生物工程角膜,以期用于穿透性角膜移植,解决角膜供体极度匮乏的难题。方法实验研究。无菌条件下将新鲜猪角膜组织置于0.5% SDS溶液中4 ℃脱细胞 24 h,获取APCM。将hESCs与人角膜基质细胞通过Transwell共培养5 d,获取眼周间充质干细胞（POMPs）,再于人晶状体上皮细胞源性条件培养基继续培养14 d获取角膜内皮样细胞并进行鉴定和筛选纯化。将纯化后扩增的角膜内皮样细胞接种于APCM构建角膜内皮植片,并移植入角膜内皮功能失代偿动物模型进行泵功能评估;采用人角膜缘干细胞（LSCs）来源的条件培养基培养hESCs 12 d,诱导其分化人角膜上皮样细胞并筛选鉴定,将其与APCM构建的角膜上皮植片移植于LSC失代偿动物模型的角膜缘,观察其眼表修复能力。结果诱导的人角膜内皮样细胞表达内皮细胞相关标记物vimentin、N-cadherin、Na+/K+ATP酶和ZO-1。构建的角膜内皮植片能够促使角膜内皮功能失代偿动物的角膜逐渐恢复透明。构建的角膜上皮细胞植片具有4～5层细胞复层结构,类似于正常角膜上皮,且能够一定程度上修复LSC失代偿动物模型眼表。结论采用hESCs诱导分化来源的细胞与APCM构建的人角膜内皮植片和人角膜上皮植片具有类似于正常角膜的功能,为全层生物角膜的构建提供了良好的实验和理论基础,具有良好的临床应用前景。     

人表皮生长因子对体外培养兔角膜内皮细胞影响的实验研究

目的：明确人表皮生长因子（ｈｕｍａｎ Ｅｐｉｄｅｒｍａｌ Ｇｒｏｗｔｈ Ｆａｃｔｏｒ,ｈＥＧＦ）对角膜内皮细胞的影响。方法：采用体外培养的兔角膜内皮细胞,观察接种后不同时点ｈＥＧＦ对其生长状态的影响;兔角膜片内皮损伤模型,离体培养后行Ｈ－Ｅ染色和Ｈ＾３－ＴｄＲ掺入放射自显影,观察ｈＥＧＦ对其修复的影响。结果：兔角膜内皮细胞体外培养ｈＥＧＦ组细胞数高于对照组,并使细胞形态产生纺锤形改变;角膜内皮细胞     

人角膜内皮细胞的体外培养及其鉴定的研究进展

角膜内皮细胞对维持角膜的透明性和厚度起着关键性的作用。人体内角膜内皮细胞有限的增殖能力及角膜供体的短缺,使组织工程人角膜内皮的体外重建受到了关注。目前,人角膜内皮细胞的培养方法已基本成熟。但是体外培养的人角膜内皮细胞的功能评价及鉴定标准却尚未建立。本文就人角膜内皮细胞的体外培养及其鉴定的研究进展进行综述。     

不同染色剂对兔眼角膜内皮细胞影响的研究

目的 观察并比较荧光素钠、吲哚靛青绿，台盼蓝，亚甲蓝，龙胆紫5种不同的前囊膜染色剂对兔眼角膜内皮细胞的影响。方法 新鲜离体兔眼角膜内皮滴入各实验试剂，0.25%台盼蓝，0.2%茜素红双重染色，光镜下观察角膜内皮细胞的活性，计数内皮细胞的死亡数，透射电镜检查，观察角膜内皮细胞超微结构的变化。结果 1%亚甲蓝组角膜内皮细胞失去正常的六边形结构，可见较多着色死亡细胞，细胞的死亡率与对照组相比，有统计学差异（P〈0.01）。电镜下，1%亚甲蓝组可观察到内皮细胞的胞膜不完整，胞浆内有空泡形成等变化。结论 1%亚甲蓝溶液对兔眼角膜内皮细胞的损伤作用。     

Morphometric analysis of corneal endothelial giant cells in normal and traumatized corneas

Corneal endothelial cells from normal and traumatized human, primate, cat and rabbit eyes were studied by specular microscopy. Morphometric analysis was performed on micrographs of corneal endothelium using a semi-automated image analysis system. The results showed that under normal conditions the corneal endothelium of all four species exhibit major morphological similarities (mean cell areas: human 317 ± 32 μm², primate 246 ± 22 μm², cat 357 ± 25 μm², rabbit 308 ± 35 μm²). The normal corneal endothelium in man was found to be more polymegethous than that of the other species. Trauma to cat, primate and human corneas resulted in a long-term reduction in endothelial cell density and enhanced polymegethism. In contrast, the reparative response of the rabbit ensured the reformation of an essentially normal monolayer following injury. Endothelial giant cells were a normal inclusion in the rabbit corneal endothelium but were only significant in cat, primate and man following trauma. The presence of corneal endothelial giant cells in amitotic corneas may therefore represent a compensatory response in the absence of mitotic potential.     

体外重建组织工程人角膜内皮在新西兰兔角膜内皮移植中的应用

目的:验证体外重建组织工程人角膜内皮(TE-HCE)在角膜内皮移植中的作用。方法:以非转染人角膜内皮细胞(HCE细胞)为种子细胞,以去上皮层修饰羊膜为载体支架体外重建的TE-HCE,经CM-DiI标记后对撕除内皮层和后弹力层(DM)的新西兰兔进行了兔穿透性角膜内皮移植。用裂隙灯显微镜观察移植眼角膜的透明度。用荧光显微镜观察种子细胞荧光标记。用茜素红染色和冰冻切片HE染色和扫描电镜观察种子细胞的形态、细胞连接的形成情况、细胞单层的完整性及其与DM结合的紧密程度。用透射电镜方法鉴定种子细胞、DM和角膜的超微结构。结果:TE-HCE可使新西兰兔角膜保持透明39d以上。角膜内皮层移植区的细胞均带有CM-DiI荧光标记。绝大多数种子细胞为六角形,细胞间连接紧密,重建出了完整的角膜内皮层,且内皮层与DM结合紧密。种子细胞重建出了连续的角膜内皮层,种子细胞、DM和角膜的形态结构与正常对照眼的几乎相同。结论:移植后的TE-HCE在种子细胞形态、连续单层状态、细胞连接形成及超微结构上均与对照兔眼的角膜内皮类似,使移植新西兰兔角膜长期保持透明。     

Corneal endothelial cytoskeletal changes in F-actin with aging, diabetes, and after cytochalasin exposure.

We investigated the changes in endothelial cytoskeletal F-actin that occur with aging, diabetes, and exposure to cytochalasin D. Rabbit corneas, human donor corneas (with or without polymegethism), and corneas of diabetic individuals were studied. Endothelial F-actin was stained using nitrobenzoxadiazole-phallacidin. Results of these experiments demonstrated that F-actin of the rabbit and human corneal endothelium was arranged in linear circumferential strands that formed a hexagonal array. After in vitro perfusion of cytochalasin D to the corneal endothelium, the F-actin became randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm, the hexagonal shape of the endothelial cell was disrupted, and endothelial permeability to carboxyfluorescein increased. Changes in F-actin were also observed in the endothelium of the human corneas with polymegethism, and in donor tissue having had previous posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The corneas of diabetic individuals also showed marked irregular F-actin fibers crossing the endothelial cell cytoplasm. These abnormal patterns of F-actin may contribute in part to the polymegethism observed in the corneal endothelial cells and may be the result of constant stress in cell volume regulation, particularly in the corneas of diabetic individuals.     

Effect of indocyanine green intraocular stain on human and rabbit corneal endothelial structure and viability. An in vitro study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the direct effect of intraocular indocyanine green (ICG) on endothelial cell function, ultrastructure, and viability in human and rabbit corneas. SETTING: A laboratory evaluation study. METHODS: Paired human and rabbit corneas were mounted in an in vitro specular microscope for endothelial cell perfusion. One corneal endothelium was perfused with 25 mg ICG dissolved in 0.5 mL aqueous solvent in 4.5 mL balanced salt solution (BSS(R)) for 3 minutes followed by washout with a control solution. The percentage of ICG exposed to the corneal endothelium was 0.5%. The paired cornea was perfused with the same solution without ICG, followed by the washout. The corneas were fixed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In another group, the endothelial viability was determined using a live cell/dead cell assay. RESULTS: In rabbit corneas, the mean corneal swelling rate was 12.9 microm/h +/- 1.2 (SEM) in the ICG corneas and 2.8 +/- 1.9 microm/h in the controls. Scanning electron microscopy and TEM revealed a normal endothelial cell mosaic. The control electron micrographs were similar. In human corneas, the mean swelling rate was 19.1 +/- 2.8 microm/h in the ICG corneas and 19.2 +/- 2.6 microm/h in the controls. Scanning electron microscopy and TEM revealed intact junctions with slight cellular vacuolization, similar to that in the controls. In the live cell/dead cell subgroup, the mean damage was 17.3% +/- 1.7% in the ICG-exposed corneas and 22.0% +/- 8.9% in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Three-minute exposure to ICG in BSS had no adverse effect on corneal endothelial function, ultrastructure, or viability in human and rabbit corneas. This study provides a safety profile for the corneal endothelium when ICG is used as an intraocular tissue stain in ophthalmic surgery.