Purpose: To evaluate the reparative capacity of the mechanically injured endothelium of corneas stored under organ culture (OC) or hypothermic conditions.
Methods: The central endothelium of 12 pairs of human corneas with similar endothelial parameters was damaged to create a 1 mm(2) lesion. One cornea from each pair was stored under OC and one under hypothermic conditions. The endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation, hexagonality and percentage of dead cells were assessed before and after damage and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of storage.
Results: The mean ECD of corneas subsequently stored under OC or hypothermic conditions was 2764/mm(2). Immediately after damage, a denuded Descemet's membrane with a few remaining dead cells was observed at the injured area. After 7 days of storage under OC conditions, almost no dead cells were observed at the place of injury. A non-significant worsening of the qualitative parameters (polymegatism and pleomorphism) was found. After 14 days, ECD was 1933/mm(2) and 2478/mm(2) centrally and pericentrally, respectively. Similar values were found after 21 and 28 days of storage. The lesions with remnant dead cells persisted throughout hypothermic preservation. From day 14 the corneas became cloudy and in poor condition, while the pericentral ECD was 2523/mm(2).
Conclusion: The reparative capacity of the cornea is maintained under OC but not under hypothermic conditions. For corneas containing dead endothelial cells, OC is therefore the method of choice because it may improve the quality of the stored tissue.