AIM: To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the proliferation of mouse corneal epithelial cells in vitro. METHODS:Mouse corneal epithelial cells(MCEs) were cultured in normoxia (210mL/L O(2) and 50mL/L CO(2)) and hypoxia (20mL/L O(2) and 50mL/L CO(2)), respectively. Colony forming efficiency (CFE) and cell proliferation were determined. The expression of corneal epithelial progenitor cell marker p63 and K19 was Investigated by immunostaining. RESULTS: Normoxic colonies were smaller compared with colonies formed in hypoxia. CFE was (12.50 +/- 1.50)% in hypoxic cultures, which was similar compared with normoxia cultures [(11.13 +/- 1.86)%, P > 0.05)]. Cell proliferation was enhanced in hypoxia. Progenitor markers p63 and K19 were expressed in most cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. O CONCLUSION: Murine limbal epithelial progenitor cells can be efficiently expanded in hypoxic conditions.
AIMTo determine the effect of suction duration on thickness and diameter of corneal flap created by microkeratome in porcine eyes in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
