Endothelial Cells

李炜   林辉   耿志鑫   吴晓玲   毛益辉   瞿杨洛娃   揭静   李植源   李程 

 董诺   邵毅   刘祖国

厦门大学眼科研究所   361005

Purpose:To investigate gene profile expressed in human corneal endothelial cells(HCECs)and amniotic membrane epithelial cells(AMECs)，and to determine the feasibility of corneal reconstruction utilizing AMECs sheets in a rabbit model.

Method:The histology of AMEC and HCEC was investigated by SEM and TEM.Gene expression of vimentin，ABCG2，N-cadherin，VE-cadherin，E-cadherin，ZO-1，Connexin 43，Na+/K+ATPase in AMECs and HCECs were detected using RT-PCR and immunostaining.AMEC sheets were mounted on endothelium-denuded rabbit corneal and transplanted into rabbit eyes，corneal thickness and transparency before and after surgery were examined.

Results:AMECs and HCECs showed similar density and cell shape in vivo.RT-PCR showed that vimentin，ABCG2，N-cadherin，ZO-1，Connexin 43，Na+/K+ATPase genes were expressed in both AMECs and HCECs.Immuno-fluorescent staining showed the same pattern.Rabbit cornea with AMECs maintained high transparency and normal thickness for at least 2W after transplantation.
Conclusion:AMECs can be used as substitute for corneal endothelial cells.