Endothelial Function of Cornea Preserved in Korean Corneal Storage Media

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the endothelial function of cornea preserved in newly developing korean corneal storage media (CS002, CS003) by estimating the permeability of corneal endothelium and the change of corneal thickness. METHODS: The cornea were divided into six experimental groups - fresh group immediately after enucleation, 4degrees Cmoist chamber group preserved for 24 hours and 48 hours, Optisol & CS002 group for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, and Likorol & CS003 group for 7, 10, and 14 days after enucleation, and then corneal endothelial permeability(Pac) was measured using carboxyfluorescein solution. Corneal thickness was measured using pachymeter(fine focus adjustment) of the specular microscope. RESULTS: Corneal endothelial Pac (x1 0(- 4) cm/min) was 3.64+/-0.33 in fresh group, 4.79+/-0.28 in 4degrees Cmoist chamber group for 24 hours. Each endothelial Pac of CS002 group at 5 and 7 days was 5.81+/-0.55 and 5.65+/-0.58, which were different with 4degrees Cmoist chamber preservation group for 24 hours(p<0.05) but not different with Optisol groups at same days. Each endothelial Pac of CS003 group at 7, 10, and 14 days was 4.34+/-0.34, 4.66+/-0.59, and 4.66+/-0.27, which were not different from those of Likorol. Each corneal thickness of CS002 and Optisol group at 7days was 417.80+/-19.37 mu m and 421.00+/-19.75mu m, which were resemble increment. Corneal thickness was 426.75+/-22.43mu m in CS003 group and 476.00+/- 40.08mu m in Likorol group at 7days. There was statistical difference between the two group(P<0.05), and this difference was sustained for 14days (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the effect on corneal endothelial permeability between korean corneal storage media such as CS002 and CS003, and that of previous corneal storage media such as Optisol and Likorol. Corneal thickness of cornea preserved in korean corneal storage media was thinner than that of Likorol.