Transplantation of cultured human amniotic epithelial cells onto the ocular surface

Purpose. To investigate the possibility of using cultured human amniotic epithelial (HuA) cells for re-establishment of damaged ocular surfaces, since HuA cells do not express HLA-A, B C, DR antigens and showed no rejection signs in multiple clinical trials. Moreover, these cells are similar to other epithelial cells in formation of the attachment complex to the underlying stroma. Methods. HuA cells were obtained by trypsinization of dissected amniotic membranes and cultured in RPMI-1640. Suspensions (5 × 10⁵/ml) of HuA cells were seeded onto the concave surfaces of collagen corneal shields and incubated at 37°C for 3 to 4 days. These HuA cell-laden shields were then placed on either denuded corneal stromal surfaces in organ culture or de-epithelialized corneas from New Zealand albino rabbits. Specimens were collected 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours later and evaluated histologically. RggjjJUs. The transplanted HuA cells were tightly adhered to the recipient corneal stroma after 24 hours incubation. Formation of cell-stroma hemidesmosomes was confirmed by electron microscopy after 24 hours as well. Conclusion. Cultured HuA cells can be successfully transplanted onto the denuded corneal surface and form a stratified sauamous epithelium which adheres tiahtly to underlying stroma by hemidesmosomes.