Effect of Subconjunctival Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Alkali-Induced Acute Corneal Injury in Rats

Background and Aim of Work: Corneal chemical injury is a common ophthalmologic emergency, in severe cases and in cases lacking proper management, often results in permanent visual impairment. Treatment in the acute phase is crucial for a good prognosis. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the effect of S.C injection of different concentrations of MSCs in the alkali-induced acute corneal injury in rats.Methods and Results: Twenty five healthy adult albino rats were divided into: Group I Control Group (n=5) had irrigation with normal saline in their left eyes. Group II (injured) had a corneal alkali burn in their left eyes and were sacrificed after one week (gIIa n=5) and after 2 weeks (gIIb n=5) following the burn. Group III rats were injured and subconjunctivally injected with 0.1ml Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) containing 2 X 10^6 labeled MSCs (treated). (gIIIa n=5) received single injection of the MSCs immediately at the time of injury and (gIIIb n=5) received double injections of the MSCs one immediately at the time of injury and the 2nd on the 3rd day of the burn and were sacrificed 1 week after injury. Left corneas were harvested and their histological structure was examined by Hx E. Statistical analyses were performed using the ANOVA test. MSCs proved to have a therapeutic potential in accelerating corneal wound healing when it is applied in adequate dose proved by histological and morphometric results.Conclusion: Chemical corneal injury is a serious condition causing severe deterioration in corneal histological structure and treatment in the acute stage is crucial, MSCs therapy proved to have a therapeutic potential in improving this condition and preventing its complications through anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic roles when applied in appropriate dose.