Ultrastructure of human organ-cultured cornea. II. Stroma and epithelium
D. L. Van Horn, D. J. Doughman, J. E. Harris, G. E. Miller, R. Lindstrom and R. A. Good
The stroma and epithelium of human corneas that had been stored in organ
culture medium for 10 to 22 days at 37 C were examined by light and
electron microscopy. Total corneal thickness was found to be doubled at ten
days and there was no further increase even at 22 days. The posterior
portion of the stroma was more hydrated than the anterior region. Stromal
cells were reduced in number and normal-appearing cells were present only
in superficial stroma. The epithelial basement membrane was irregular and
thickened. Although the epithelium was reduced to three or four cells in
thickness and the intercellular spaces were dilated, the epithelial cells
contained normal subcellular organelles and appeared to be viable.
