OBJECTIVETo construct artificial rabbit corneas with autologous skin epidermal stem cells and allogenic stromal cells in vitro and promote healing of corneal wounds.

METHODSSkin epidermal stem cells were isolated from autologous skin samples. Keratocytes were isolated from newborn cornea biopsies. The cells were combined with acellular porcine corneal stroma scaffold to construct artificial corneas. Then the constructed artificial corneas were used to repair severe vision loss caused by complete loss of corneal epithelial stem cells.

RESULTSCultured skin epidermal stem cells and keratocytes were in good growth conditions. Cultured artificial corneas consisted of multiplayer epithelial cells growing on stroma equivalent consisting of stromal matrix with incorporated keratocytes. The in vitro constructed artificial corneas were histologically similar to normal rabbit corneas. Three months after transplantation, the cornea wounds were healed and the rabbit cornea became transparent.

CONCLUSIONThe artificial corneas were constructed successfully in vitro and can be used to repair severe vision loss caused by complete loss of corneal epithelial stem cells.