Evaluation of Clinical and Histological Outcomes of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Corneal Alkali Burn Model

Abstract

To assess effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) in corneal alkali injuries in an experimental animal model. Twenty white New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The animal models were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rabbits in the AMSC group ( $n=10$ ) received an intrastromal, a subconjunctival injection, and topical instillation of 0.5 ml totally of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing $2\times {10}^6$ AMSCs. In the control group ( $n=10$ ), rabbits received only 0.5 ml of PBS using the same methods. A masked investigator measured the corneal sensation, anterior chamber Inflammation (ACI), and conjunctival congestion. Additionally, a blind histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was made. In the AMSC group, the central corneal sensation was increased whereas ACI and conjunctival congestion were reduced compared to the control group in the 28 days of follow-up ( $p<0.05$ ). A statistically significant difference ( $p<0.05$ ) was noted between the two groups as recorded in the above parameters. Histological analysis showed that pathological vascularization was markedly reduced in the AMSC group which was consistent with the absence of factor VIII in the immunohistochemistry sections. There is a trend towards improved clinical outcomes including corneal sensation as well as acceleration in the restoration of normal corneal architecture in corneal alkali burns treated with AMSCs, results that support the need for further research in the field.