Original scientific paper

Subconjuctival application of allogenic limbal cells in dogs with corneal disorders.

Ana Kovšca Janjatović ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Gordan Mršić ; Forensic Science Centre ‘‘Ivan Vučetić’’, Ministry of Interior, Zagreb, Croatia
Boris Pirkić ; Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Kiš ; Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Darko Capak ; Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Njetočka Gredelj Šimec ; Clinical Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
Dubravko Kezić ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Daniel Špoljarić ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Josip Crnjac ; Department of Forensics, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Maja Popović ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Limbal stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the corneal surface in a healthy condition or after injury through corneal renewal and repair. In pathologic conditions these cells could be replenished with cultivated allogenic limbal cells. In this investigation, limbal stem cells from small fragments of donor tissue were cultivated in vitro for treatment of corneal lesions in dogs. Fourteen dogs were divided into two groups of seven animals each: a group of dogs with corneal lesions treated using the classical veterinary ophthalmology approach, and a group of dogs with corneal lesions treated with the application of cultivated allogenic limbal cells. Regardless of the size and location of the corneal lesions, after 30 days in the group of dogs with corneal lesions treated with the application of cultivated allogenic limbal cells ophthalmological examination showed no signs of any eye disorder except corneal edema (14.29 %). In the group of dogs with corneal lesions cured using the classical veterinary ophthalmology approach, 30 days after the beginning of treatment ophthalmological examination showed 42.86 % mild/incisional blepharospasm, 85.71 % secretion, 100 % observable conjuctival congestion, 14.29 % eye liquor dimming, 85.71 % corneal edema and 85.71 % irritation. After application of cultivated allogenic limbal cells, corneal lesions were completely healed 15 days earlier than the lesions treated with conventional ophthalmological therapy. Allogenic limbal cells were capable of restoring corneal clarity with no development of ocular complications.

Keywords

corneal disorders; allogenic limbal cells; dogs

Hrčak ID:

148336

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148336

Publication date:

20.10.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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