The persistence of transplanted amniotic membrane in corneal stroma.

Abstract

To characterize the long-term incorporation of transplanted amniotic membrane into corneal stroma. Experimental study. Rabbit amniotic membrane, stained with a fluorescent dye (DTAF), was implanted unilaterally into the corneal stroma of four adult rabbits. Corneas were examined clinically and by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy at 1, 3, 7, and 10 months after surgery. Visibility of the transplanted amniotic membrane, in situ, on slit-lamp examination decreased over time. However, fluorescent and electron microscopy clearly demonstrated that the amniotic membrane remained structurally unchanged and intact within the corneal stroma up to 10 months after implantation. Amniotic membrane allografts persist intact within an intracorneal space for many months postoperatively and are not quickly broken down or dissolved by the host tissue.