Long-term alterations of collagen reconstruction and basement membrane regeneration after corneal full-thickness penetrating injury in rabbits.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the long-term alterations of collagen reconstruction and basement membrane (BM) regeneration after corneal full-thickness penetrating injury in rabbits.

Methods

The corneal full-thickness penetrating injury model was established in the left eye of New Zealand White rabbits using a 2.0 mm trephine. All corneas were evaluated using slit-lamp photography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescent staining for collagen types I and III (Col I, III), and transmission electron microscopy for collagen fibers and basement membrane.

Results

Between 3 days and 3 weeks, Col I and III expression were documented, exhibiting a largely disorganized distribution throughout the stromal thickness. At 3 weeks, the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) partiall

SUBMITTER: Chen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12021247 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature