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In Vitro Expansion of Corneal Endothelial Cells for Transplantation

Protocol
First Online:
Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series (MIMB, volume 2145)

Abstract

The corneal endothelium forms a leaky barrier between the corneal stroma and the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber. This cell monolayer maintains the corneal stroma in a state of relative dehydration, a process called deturgescence, which is required in order to obtain corneal stromal transparency. Endothelial dysfunctions lead to visual impairment that ultimately can only be treated surgically via the corneal transplantation of a functional endothelium. Shortages of corneas suitable for transplantation has motivated research toward new alternatives involving in vitro corneal endothelial cell (CEC) expansion.

This chapter describes current methods that allow isolate and culture CECs. In brief, Descemet membrane is peeled out of the cornea and digested in order to obtain CECs. Cells are then seeded and cultured.

Key words

Cornea Corneal endothelium Cell culture Cell expansion 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

Procurement of eyes for research was possible thanks to a partnership with Héma-Québec, the CUO Eye Bank, and a “Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQ-S)” Vision Health Research Network (VHRN) Infrastructure Program (S.P.). I.X. was a recipient of Master Training Awards from Université Laval (Wilbrod-Bhérer), the Fondation du CHU de Québec, the LOEX Center, and the VHRN.

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© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec—Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-SacrementQuébecCanada
  2. 2.Département d’Ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de médecineUniversité LavalQuébecCanada
  3. 3.Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEXQuébecCanada

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