Abstract
Purpose: To establish a simple and reliable experimental model to test different aspects of corneal allograft rejection. The incidence of corneal graft rejection is enhanced by inducing vascularization in the recipient cornea. Methods: In 17 New Zealand white rabbits, corneal vascularization was induced by placing 6-0 silk stitches in the superior corneas. Corneal transplantation was performed 10-14 days later. In the control group, corneal transplantation was performed in 15 rabbits without inducing corneal vascularization. Results: Twelve of 17 allografts in the vascularized corneas were rejected (70.4%); median time to rejection was 14 days (range 10-35). No rejection was encountered in the control group of 15 rabbits. Conclusions: This technique of corneal transplantation provides a good model of corneal graft rejection. Such a model can be used to study different aspects of high-risk cornea grafts and to test the effects of anti-rejection drugs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S555 |
| Journal | Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - 15 Feb 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |