[HES 130 as a continuous supplement for organ culture of human corneas?].

Background: During organ culture, corneas swell and have to be de-swollen prior to transplantation using a medium. Both swelling and de-swelling lead to increased endothelial cell loss. Furthermore, dextran, the standard de-swelling substance, is toxic and deposited in the cornea. Whether HES is suitable as a continuous supplement for organ culture and keeps the corneas thin was investigated in this study.

Methods: Forty-five human corneas were stored in MEM plus 7.5% HES 130 for 7, 15, 21, and 28 days. Endothelial cell count was determined before and after organ culture. After storage the water content and amount of adenosine phosphates were measured.

Results: Water content was 82.29% after 7 days, 82.98% after 15 days, 81.15% after 21 days, and 83.21% after 28 days. The endothelial cell count decreased by 1.20% after 7 days, 0.60% after 15 days, 4.29% after 21 days, and 6.89% after 28 days. ATP was 0.159 micromol/g dry weight after 28 days of organ culture.

Conclusion: The water content of corneas stored in HES-containing medium remained constant even after 21 days of organ culture. Endothelial cell loss was less than in comparable studies using a standard medium containing 10% FCS; however, ATP concentrations were worse. HES 130 keeps the corneas thin and can be used as a continuous supplement. It facilitates the handling of corneas during organ culture, making dehydration before transplantation unnecessary, and thus also reduces potential stress factors for the cornea.