Sclerocorneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation in dogs

Abstract

The effects of sclerocorneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation in dogs with corneal wounds were studied. Eighteen dogs were divided in two groups (GI and GII). The animals of GI (n=12) underwent limbal transplantation 30 days after the destruction of limbal stem cells. The dogs of GII (n=6) only underwent destruction of stem cells (control group). Light microscopy examination of the right eye was performed on days 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 120 after limbal transplantation (GI), and on days 33, 37, 44, 60, 90, and 150 after limbal destruction (GII). Results showed a complete destruction of limbal stem cells with loss of corneal transparency. Limbal transplantation prevented conjunctivalization in grafted area. Corneal vascularization and a 360º corneal conjunctivalization were noted in the control dogs (GII). Corneal transparency was restored from day 60th after surgery. Histological examination did not distinguish the transition between the graft and the normal corneal epithelium at anytime. Goblet cells were found in control animals (GII) on 33, 37, 60, and 150 days, whereas a single grafted dog (GI) presented a few goblet cells on day 60th post-transplantation. Limbal autograft transplantation was effective in restoring corneal clarity with no development of ocular complications.

Metaherpetic corneal disease in a dog associated with partial limbal stem cell deficiency and neurotrophic keratitis

“…More severe cases of partial deficiency and total limbal stem cell deficiency are treated by auto‐ or allotransplantation of limbal stem cells 53 . Autologous limbal stem cell transplantation is described in dogs, but was not an option in this case as it requires a normal contralateral eye 54,55 . Stage 1 neurotrophic keratitis is commonly managed by topical ophthalmic preservative‐free lubricants, as used in the described dog 37,45 .…”

Aspectos clínicos do enxerto conjuntival 360º e do implante da membrana amniótica criopreservada no tratamento de úlceras de córnea em cães

“…Assim, em ambos os grupos, na comparação entre momentos houve diferença estatística entre o Mi e o M30 (p=0,0007 e p=0,0008, respectivamente). Este resultado já era esperado, pois a cicatrização das úlceras corneais promove diminuição do estímulo das terminações nervosas do epitélio e estroma abolindo o reflexo de blefarospasmo (BRUNELLI et al, 2007;PONTES et al, 2008;ANDRADE et al, 2009). …”

In vitro cultivation of canine limbal transplant

“…Potential justification of their use in veterinary ophthalmology can lie in house pet or breed selection animal therapy. During current researches, Brunelli et al (2007) have postulated that the dog model of total limbal destruction is feasible and reliable in producing severe ocular surface wounds, resulting in loss of corneal clarity. Limbal autograft transplantation was effective in restoring corneal transparency with no ocular complications.…”