Spontaneous and inducible reinervation of human cornea

• Autorzy: Smedowski A. , Wylegala A.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Correct innervation of the ocular surface is, in addition to the endothelial barrier, a leading mechanism conditioning the transparency of the cornea. Corneal nerves are involved in perception of pain, as well as touch, thermal and chemical stimuli. Moreover, they are involved in modulating the blink reflex and tears production. Corneal nerve plexus insufficiency might occur as a primary or secondary sign of ocular or systemic disorders. Neuropathic keratopathy is a corneal disorder due to the partial or complete denervation of the eye surface tissues associated with damage or dysfunction of ophthalmic nerve branches originating from the trigeminal ganglion (V cranial nerve). This damage leads to a complete or partial corneal analgesia, destabilization of corneal epithelium and production of tear film, resulting in the development of corneal epithelial erosion, ulceration or melting. Total denervation of corneal tissue is observed following corneal grafting, while within weeks after transplant procedure, spontaneous innervation of graft might be observed using in vivo confocal microscopy technology. Neuropathy associated with viral keratitis (HSV and HZV), chemical burn, contact lenses wearing, corneal dystrophies or diabetes are rather unusual to be associated with spontaneous nerves growth. In these cases novel therapeutic approaches, which are still at the stage of development, represent a promising alternative for patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Topical application of recombinant human Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a recent achievement of regenerative medicine for ocular surface disorders. Currently it is undergoing Phase II Clinical Study for treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy. The latest possible therapeutic option to induce corneal innervation is a topical supplementation of extracellular matrix components supporting the healing process of the cornea. The combination of clinical and basic science knowledge results currently developing novel therapeutic options, which in the future may contribute to a better prognosis for neuropathic keratopathy treatment.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
• Rocznik: 2015
• Tom: 75
• Numer: Supl.
• Opis fizyczny: p.S32-S33

Twórcy

autor

Smedowski A.

• Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland

autor

Wylegala A.

• Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland