Short‐term Efficacy of Topical Immunosuppressive Agents on the Survival of Cultivated Allo‐Conjunctival Equivalents

Purpose: To investigate the short‐term efficacy of topical immunosuppressive agents on the survival of cultivated allo‐conjunctival equivalents. Methods: Twenty‐five eyes of New Zealand white rabbits were included. Temporal conjunctivae were trephined to a diameter of 7.5 mm, and then cultured allo‐conjunctival epithelial cells on amniotic membrane were transplanted onto them. Various immunosuppressants including steroid, cyclosporine, and rapamycin were applied topically four times a day for a week. Epithelial defects and graft edema were graded daily. Numbers of inflammatory cells were measured in H&E. PKH26 and cytokeratin 4 and 7 were immunostained. Results: Earlier epithelialization was observed in 1% steroid‐treated eyes and defects persisted significantly in 0.5% CsA applied eyes. In histology, PKH26 positive cells considered as donor cells were only found in 1% steroid or 0.01% rapamycin applied eyes. 1% steroid‐ or 0.01% rapamycin‐applied eyes both showed positive staining for keratin‐4 and ‐7. Inflammatory cells were less found in 1% steroid or 0.01% rapamycin treated eyes. Conclusions: Topical steroid or rapamycin can help to suppress acute inflammation and enhance the acute survival of transplanted conjunctival cells. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 22(2):123-129, 2008