PURPOSE. To solve the shortage of donor corneas, a decellularizing method based on hypertonic saline treatment was introduced, and a favorable outcome was observed in pig-to-rabbit lamellar corneal transplantation. This study was an investigation of the efficacy of pig-to-nonhuman primate lamellar corneal transplantation, using both decellularized and fresh porcine corneas to assess feasibility as a substitute for human corneas. METHODS. Nine Chinese rhesus macaques underwent lamellar corneal transplantation using both decellularized (n = 5) and fresh (n = 4) porcine corneas. Clinically acceptable graft size (7.5 mm in diameter) and minimal immunosuppression based on topical and systemic corticosteroids were applied. Rejection signs, histology of porcine grafts, and serial changes in recipients' blood profile, including memory T-cell subset, anti-α-Gal and donor pig-specific antibodies, and complement were evaluated. Changes in aqueous complement concentration were also assessed at 4 weeks after transplantation. RESULTS. Of the decellularized porcine lamellar grafts, 80% remained transparent for more than 6 months, whereas half of the fresh porcine lamellar grafts developed chronic rejection. Rejected grafts showed extensive cellular infiltration, predominantly CD8(+) T lymphocytes and macrophages. Immunologic profiles of the recipients with rejected grafts showed a significant increase in the concentration of aqueous complement, an enhancement of memory T cells, and an abrupt increase in donor pig-specific antibodies. CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggested that decellularized porcine cornea could be a promising substitute for human corneal allograft. Fresh porcine cornea may be a feasible option for a substitute if combined with more potent immunosuppression or if obtained from transgenic pigs with complement-regulatory proteins.
Our findings suggest that αGal may affect the long-term survival of porcine corneal xenografts via antibody-mediated rejection, although αGal does not have an effect on acute rejection and decellularized porcine corneas may enable the long-term survival of porcine corneal xenografts.
In this study, we examined the effect of diets supplemented with organic and inorganic mineral premixes on the laying performance and eggshell quality of aged laying hens. A total of 600 68-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments, repeated 5 times: Mash type basal diet, basal diet supplemented with an inorganic mineral premix (1.0 g/kg), and basal diet supplemented with an organic mineral premix (1.8 g/kg). The results showed that eggshell strength was higher (p < 0.01) in the inorganic mineral diet group than in the organic mineral and basal diet groups. Further, the levels of Fe and Mn in the liver were higher (p < 0.05) in the inorganic and organic mineral diet groups than in the basal diet group. The concentrations of Fe and Mg in the spleen were different (p < 0.05) among the treatment groups, with the highest levels reported in the organic mineral premix group. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn in the eggshell were different (p < 0.05) among the groups, with the highest levels reported in the inorganic and organic mineral premix diet groups. In conclusion, a diet containing organic mineral premix improved eggshell strength and had no detrimental effect on the laying performance of aged laying hens.
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