Biomedical subjects

K Engelmann

Publications and source records attributed to K Engelmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

CT-guided intratumoural administration of cisplatin/epinephrine gel for treatment of malignant liver tumours.

To analyze prospectively the interventional and clinical aspects of computed tomography-guided direct intratumoural injection of a novel chemotherapeutic administration and the parenchymal changes of tumour and necrosis in malignant liver tumours. Eight patients with 17 colorectal liver metastases were treated with a mean of 5.1 injections and nine patients with 13 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules with a mean of 3.1 treatments with computed tomography guided local applications of a novel cisplatin/epinephrine gel. This application provides a higher local and lower systemic drug concentration. Volumes of tumour and necrosis prior and after treatment were measured by computer generated volumetric analysis. Contrast enhanced studies verified pretherapeutic viable tumour volumes with a value of 77.4 ml in the metastases and 29.2 ml in the hepatocellular carcinoma nodules. Intratumoural drug application resulted in a significant increase of necrosis and a decrease in viable tumour volume to be 68.3 ml in metastases and 14.5 ml in hepatocellular carcinoma. Local therapy control rate for the follow up to 6 months was 38 and 71% for the group of metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Direct intratumoural injection of cisplatin/epinephrine injectable gel is a feasible and good tolerated method and results in the development of a statistically significant increase in necrosis in malignant liver tumours. For hepatocellular carcinoma a higher local therapy control rate compared to colorectal metastases can be reported.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Identification and topology of variant sequences within individual repeat domains of the human epithelial tumor mucin MUC1.

This study shows for the first time that the tandemly repeated icosapeptide of human MUC1 underlies a genetic sequence polymorphism at three positions (underlined): PDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGVTSA. The concerted replacement DT-->ES (sequence variation 1) and the single replacements P-->Q (sequence variation 2), P-->A (sequence variation 3), and P-->T (sequence variation 4) were identified by sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products and studied by minisatellite variant repeat analysis for their incidence and topology in the 5' and 3' peripheral regions of the variable number of tandem repeats domain. Minisatellite variant repeat analyses were performed with 27 individual samples of genomic DNA from human cells and tissues covering 30-60% of the domain. Within the peripheral regions, sequence variations 1-4 occur at high incidence and show a nearly constant repeat topology in all individual normal and tumor samples. Also, individuals who were non-Caucasian or of different ethnic background were found to have the same set of replacements with identical topology. The repeat variant 1 replacing the established tumor target motif DTR with ESR was found in all individuals and appears predominantly in repeat clusters (diads and triads). The largely constant topology of variant repeats is interpreted by the assumption that the variable number of tandem repeats domain has evolved as a recent expansion of sequence variable super-repeats.

Alleles↗

PubMed2001

Isolation and characterization of a mouse monoclonal antibody against human corneal endothelial cells.

In vitro cultivation of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) is associated with loss of typical cobblestone-like appearance during successive passages. Thus far morphology was the sole criterion for the cell's endothelial nature. Mouse monoclonal antibodies (mabs) to human corneal endothelial cells were raised using standard immunization and hybridoma isolation procedures. The specificity of mabs for human corneal endothelial cells was tested in comparison to other endothelial cell types, to fibroblasts, corneal keratocytes and to human retinal pigmented epithelial cells. In addition immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase staining was performed with frozen tissue sections of human corneas and with various other human tissues. The mab 9.3.E reacts with cultured human corneal endothelial cells, but not with cultured human fibroblasts and human keratocytes. In frozen sections selective positivity of corneal endothelium in contrast to negativity of the other corneal cell types was confirmed. In investigated extraocular tissues positivity was observed in smooth muscle cells including related cells (i.e. Ito and mesangial cells) and in Schwann's cells and adipocytes, but apparently not in vascular endothelial cells. The mab is human-specific and binds to a protein with a molecular weight of 130 kDa mainly accumulating along cell membranes. A mouse monoclonal antibody against human corneal endothelial cells was established in vitro and was shown to be capable of differentiating corneal endothelial cells from other corneal cell types, especially from corneal keratocytes. It is, however, not cornea-specific, but also reacts with certain extraocular cell types.

Adipocytes↗

PubMed2001

[Thermal ablation of liver metastases. Current status and prospects].

PURPOSE: To present thermal ablation of liver metastases via laser induced thermotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different technical procedures of thermal ablation and online monitoring are used, as there are the MR-guided laser induced thermotherapy (LITT) and the radiofrequency ablation thermotherapy (RF). RESULTS: In a prospective non randomized study 606 patients with liver metastases were treated via MR-guided laser induced thermotherapy. Inclusion criteria were the exclusion of extrahepatic tumor spread and a number of metastases lower than 5 and a size lower than 50 mm in diameter. The local tumor control rate in the 3 month and 6 month control study was 98.3%, the complication rate 3.5% (clinically relevant: 1.2%). The mean survival rate was 40.9 months for all patients with liver metastases without statistically relevant differences for various primaries, like colorectal carcinoma, breast cancer and various other tumors. Results for radiofrequency are so far limited with incidence of a higher local tumor recurrence rate versus LITT. CONCLUSION: MR-guided LITT results in a high local tumor control rate with improved survival.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver metastases. A palliative therapeutic approach].

Metastatic involvement of the liver determines the treatment. Hepatic artery chemoembolization (TACE) represents a safe palliative treatment for patients with unresectable liver metastases. Technical treatment, indication and results of the TACE are reported. The results of TACE depend on primary cancer, size and vascularisation of the hepatic tumors. Our results with out patient treatment of 245 patients prove that TACE results in a extremely low rate of side effects. Combination of TACE with local ablative treatment may present potentially curative treatment option for unresectable tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinomas: technique, indications, results].

BACKGROUND: At time of diagnosis 80% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could not be treated with surgical treatments, so that transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was used as an neoadjuvant or palliative treatment modality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients were treated with 217 TACE courses, in the mean 3.6 TACE treatments per patient with an 4 week interval. TACE was performed with a dispersion of lipiodol, mitomycin C and spherex. 11 patients (18.3%) were treated in a neoadjuvant protocol with successful ablation. Lipiodol retention and size of the tumors were evaluated by CT and MRI. RESULTS: 60 patients were successful treated with TACE. After treatment a primary high lipiodol retention was displayed and in 68 (63.3%) patients a reduction of the tumor size and in 11 (20%) patients a reduction of tumor growth rate was noted. The 1 year survival rate was 59%. After response to TACE and reducing the tumor size 11 patients could be treated with MR-guided LITT 4 to 6 weeks post embolization. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization is a minimal invasive and outpatient treatment protocol for HCC. TACE might be indicated as a palliative treatment to control the diseased liver. If repeated TACE alters the size and structure of primary unresectable HCC TACE expands the indication for MR-guided LITT.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Oligonodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): MR-controlled laser-induced thermotherapy].

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the therapeutic potential of MR-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) in patients with oligonodular hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 39 patients with 61 intrahepatic lesions were treated with LITT. The Nd:YAG laser fiber was introduced with a percutaneously positioned irrigated laser application system. Qualitative and quantitative MR parameters and clinical data were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well under local anesthesia. All observed complications were minor and no further treatment was necessary. Online MR thermometry allowed exact visualization. Lesions up to 2 cm in diameter could be efficiently treated with a single laser application, larger lesions were treated simultaneous multiapplication. In 97.5% we achieved a complete necrosis of the tumor and a 5 mm safety margin, resulting in a complete destruction of the tumor without local recurrences. Mean survival was 4.4 years (95% CI: 3.6-5.2 years) after the time of diagnoses of the HCC (Kaplan-Meier-method). CONCLUSION: In intrahepatic oligonodular involvement of hepatocellular carcinoma LITT appears to be an effective therapeutic procedure with a high tumor control rate and better survival data.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Correlation of 55 samples of contact lens fluid and direct swabbings of the eye surface of symptomatic wearers of contact lenses].

BACKGROUND: The microbiological examination of contact lens storage solutions may reveal the etiological organisms responsible for keratitis and additionally harbour environmental contaminants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1995 to 1998, conjunctival and corneal smears and scrapes, as well as the storage solutions of 55 soft contact lens wearers were examined microbiologically in a prospective non-randomised cohort study involving 53x unilateral and 2x bilateral cases of keraitis. RESULTS: In 42 of the in-use contact lens storage solutions, the following organisms were found: 8x Bacillus sp., 7x P. aeruginosa and 8x other pseudomonads, 6x Alcaligenes xylosans, 4x Serratia liquefaciens, 4x Enterobacter sp., 4x coagulase negative staphylococci, 3x Serratia marcescens, 3x S. aureus, 2x Streptococcus faecalis, 1x Klebsiella oxytoca and 5x Acanthameba. A significant correlation of ocular cultures was found for Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Serratia, S. aureus, S. faecalis and Acanthameba, but not for Bacillus, Alcaligenes, and coagulase negative staphylococci. Fungi were not found. The more pronounced the clinical picture, the more Gram-negative bacteria were isolated. CONCLUSIONS: The microbiological examination of soft contact lens storage solutions of 55 keratitis patients confirmed that the microbes responsible were to be found in the fluid, in addition to environmental contaminants.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis↗

PubMed2001

[Immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) in treatment of uveitis].

BACKGROUND: Severe forms of uveitis can often only be managed sufficiently with systemic immunosuppression. All available drugs are known for their relative high rate of side-effects. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressant successfully used in management after organ transplantation and many autoimmune diseases, has shown remarkably less side-effects when used for various forms of uveitis in monotherapy or in combination with corticosteroids. The aim of this multicenter-study was to investigate if monotherapy with MMF is effective in various forms of uveitis. METHOD AND PATIENTS: Ten patients with anterior uveitis (n = 3), intermediate uveitis (n = 2), panuveitis (n = 4) and retinal vasculitis (n = 1) were treated in a prospective study with 2 x 1 g MMF daily. Previous immunosuppression had been discontinued because of side-effects or ineffectivity in all patients. In these patients MMF was given in addition to the other immunosuppressant at the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 12 months (mean 4.5 months). Under therapy with MMF (monotherapy in 4 patients, additional prednisolone in 5 patients and additional metotrexate in 1 patient) 8 patients remained free of recurrences. In one female patient depression of inflammation activity was only achieved after cessation of therapy with Cyclosporin A in combination with MMF and a switch to methotrexate. Another patient with a bilateral uveitis was free of recurrences in only one eye, the second eye did not develop recurrence due to the additional corticosteroid treatment. Side-effects were diarrhoea in one patient and probably gastrointestinal problems in another (leading to cessation of therapy in both patients) and in another case nausea, vomitus and alopecia 10 months after beginning therapy. CONCLUSIONS: MMF as a new immunosuppressant stopped inflammation or drastically reduced the rate of recurrences in 8 out of 10 patients with uveitis which was previously not brought under control by other immunosuppressants. The side-effects were tolerable in comparison with other immunosuppressive agents. More patients, longer follow-up times and a comparative study with Cyclosporin A are required to assess the long-term therapeutical success.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Follow-up of endothelial cell density after perforating keratoplasty. Effect of donor and recipient-related factors].

PURPOSE: Endothelial cell loss can be observed after keratoplasty, therefore in a retrospective study we analysed whether there is a correlation between donor age, recipient age, time post-mortem, preoperative cell density, diagnosis of the recipient and postoperative endothelial cell density. METHODS: The endothelial cell densities of 120 patients who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty were examined over a period of 2 years. We divided the patients into four groups based on the endothelial cell density over 2 years. We examined the groups with regard to the parameters given above. RESULTS: The lowest postoperative cell densities 2 years after keratoplasty showed a high correlation with the highest donor and recipient age. Even the lowest preoperative cell density was found in this group. Patients who underwent keratoplasty because of keratoconus had the highest cell densities after 2 years and also the lowest donor and recipient age. The preoperative cell density was also highest in this group. DISCUSSION: The results indicate a correlation between increasing donor and recipient age, decreasing preoperative cell density and loss of endothelial cells 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty. Patients with the diagnosis keratoconus should also receive transplants with higher donor age.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Evaluation of potential organ culture media for eye banking using a human corneal endothelial cell growth assay.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the ability of different commercially available cell culture media to induce proliferation and morphological changes in primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC). This screening model was used in an attempt to establish a rational basis for the development of well-defined, serum-free preservation media for long-term organ culture of human donor corneas. METHODS: A total of 11 different culture media enriched with 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) were compared. The test media were divided into three groups: Group 1: Media based on minimal essential medium (MEM), currently used for long-term corneal organ culture in European eye banks; Group 2: F99-based media, enriched for growth of corneal endothelial cells at serum-reduced conditions; and Group 3: Media designed for growth of special cell types or for short-term corneal organ culture. The growth-promoting capacity of each test medium was quantified using an HCEC proliferation assay, whereas changes in cell morphology were evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy. RESULTS: The morphological characteristics of HCEC were best maintained in the group of F99-based media, which also induced the highest level of cell proliferation under serum-reduced conditions. Specifically, the medium F99-Sr (F99 enriched with ascorbic acid, insulin, bFGF, transferrin, selenium, and lipids) induced a two- to three-fold higher HCEC density at both 0% and 2% FCS when compared to all other test media, and it also maintained the most endothelial cell-like morphology. Also, at higher serum concentrations (5% and 10% FCS), the cell growth was most prominent in F99-Sr, as well as in the medium SFM that originally was designed for serum-free growth of vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the media F99-Sr and SFM should be further tested and refined as potential new storage solutions for long-term corneal organ culture at physiological temperatures.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Use of a serum-free medium for long-term storage of human corneas. Influence on endothelial cell density and corneal metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The success of long-term corneal organ culture is limited by the progressive loss of endothelial cells during culture and the use of culture medium supplemented with fetal calf serum as a possible source of contamination with infectious agents. In this study, we investigated the suitability of a serum-free medium (Endothelial-SFM) to improve preservation conditions for human donor corneas. METHODS: Six pairs of corneas were stored in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) supplemented with 2% fetal calf serum (FCS) for 8-14 days. One cornea of each pair was then further cultivated in Endothelial-SFM supplemented with 2% FCS or in MEM with 2% FCS, respectively. In a second series of experiments, the endothelial cell density of seven pairs of freshly isolated donor corneas was determined during cultivation in Endothelial-SFM with 2% FCS or serum-free Endothelial-SFM. RESULTS: After precultivation in conventional medium, the endothelial cell density of corneas allocated to cultivation in Endothelial-SFM was 1000-1950 cells/mm2 and that of those subsequently cultured in MEM 1200-2000 cells/mm2. At 9 weeks, cell densities of 900-1500 cells/mm2 were found after cultivation in Endothelial-SFM compared with a total cell loss in MEM. Freshly isolated corneas cultured in Endothelial-SFM with or without FCS supplementation showed a decrease of endothelial cell density of about 20% within the first 2 weeks of storage. During further cultivation cell density remained constant without statistically significant differences between the groups. Glucose consumption of the corneas was higher in Endothelial-SFM than in MEM. Corneas stored in Endothelial-SFM with 2% FCS showed a higher glucose consumption than those preserved in serum-free Endothelial-SFM. CONCLUSION: Organ culture of human donor corneas using the serum-free basal medium Endothelial-SFM is superior to conventional culture conditions because the decrease in endothelial cell density can be ameliorated, the culture period can be prolonged and the risk of transmitting infectious agents via serum can be minimised.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Laser-induced thermotherapy of malignant liver tumors: general principals, equipment(s), procedure(s)--side effects, complications and results.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the therapeutic potential of MR-guided and ultrasound-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) in patients with liver metastases and oligonodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 1993 and June 2000 a total of 1608 LITT sessions was performed to treat 1914 lesions in 676 consecutive patients. The Nd-YAG laser fiber was introduced with a percutaneously positioned cooled application set. Qualitative and quantitative ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) parameters, as well as clinical data were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well under local anesthesia; no relevant clinical complications were observed. The mean laser power was 25 W and the mean duration was 25 min. MR proved to be superior over computed tomography and ultrasound due the thermosensitivity of the MR sequences allowing a better visualization of the volume of laser-induced changes and their relation to the neighboring geographical structures. The ultrasound-guided LITT should be restricted for patients with contraindications for MR imaging monitoring and for selected patients with low diameter oligonodular HCC. In 95% of cases, we achieved a complete necrosis of the tumor and a 5-mm safety margin, resulting in a complete destruction of the tumor without local recurrences. Mean survival in this group was 35 months (calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method). CONCLUSION: MR-guided, or ultrasound-guided, LITT appears to be a safe and effective treatment protocol for liver metastases and oligonodular HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMed2001

[Visualization techniques in multislice CT-coronary angiography of the heart. Correlations of axial, multiplanar, three-dimensional and virtual endoscopic imaging with the invasive diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of 4 different visualization techniques for multislice CT datasets from the coronary arteries in comparison to coronary angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 42 patients were examined prospectively using both multislice CT and angiocardiography. All CT scans were performed at collimation 4 x 1 mm, pitch 1.5 and a rotation time of 500 msec. Using retrospective ecg-gating, image reconstruction parameters were 1.25 mm slice thickness, 0.5 mm increment and kernel B30. Each patient's CT dataset subsequently was explored using axial, multiplanar, three-dimensional, and virtual endoscopic visualization modes. RESULTS: Axial scans showed the highest sensitivity in the evaluation of stenoses (66.7%), followed by virtual endoscopy (55.9%), multiplanar (48.6%), and three-dimensional reformations (33.3%). With regard to the detection of atherosclerotic plaques, axial scans (71.2%), three-dimensional reformations (70.1%), and virtual endoscopy (69.1%) displayed comparable sensitivities, whereas multiplanar reformations showed distinctly lower results (55.6%). On combining the techniques a sensitivity of 74.2% for the detection of atherosclerotic plaques, of 72.0% for the identification of high-grade stenoses, respectively, was obtained. The specificity of all four visualization modes amounted to 91.9% and above. Best results have been obtained within the RIVA (sensitivity 85.2%). CONCLUSION: For the detection of atheromatous changes CT angiocardiography does not achieve a sensitivity as high as angiocardiography and is restricted to the three major branches. At heart rates below 60 bpm axial scans showed the best correlation in the quantification and classification of atherosclerotic plaques.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[Early clinical results with mycophenolate mofetil in immunosuppressive therapy of ocular pemphigoid].

BACKGROUND: Ocular cicatrical pemphigoid can lead to severe structural damage or loss of vision at worst. Longterm therapy with dapsone or systemic immunosuppressive therapy, e.g. with cyclophosphamide is often inevitable. Immunosuppression may cause severe side effects in some patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data are presented on 5 patients with ocular cicatrical pemphigoid who were treated with mycophenolate mofetil 2 g daily. Criterion of effectiveness was the clinical course of the condition defined as nonprogression of the morphologic alterations. Patients were initially examined and interviewed routinely every four weeks for the first four months, then every eight weeks. Patients were asked about side effects and underwent monthly blood checks. RESULTS: All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Mycophenolate mofetil proved to be effective with respect to the clinical course in 9 out of 10 eyes. All patients showed regression of inflammatory conjunctival alteration and improvement of their complaints. In one eye the inflammatory process restarted after surgery due to excessive symblephara had been performed. Gastrointestinal side effects were reported in the initial phase, e.g. lack of appetite, nausea and mild diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: Mycophenolate mofetil proved to be an effective immunosuppressant for the treatment of ocular cicatrical pemphigoid. Namely side effects were less severe and frequent compared to those known from other currently administered immunosuppressants. Longterm results and larger case numbers are needed to sustain these early results.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Percutaneous laser ablation of malignant liver tumors].

PURPOSE: To present the technical data, methods and results of percutaneous laser ablation of malignant tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period from June 1993 to April 2000 a collective of 600 patients with malignant liver tumors and liver metastases from different primary tumors were treated via MR-guided LITT. After sonographically or CT-guided puncture MR-compatible laser catheters were positioned. The tumor destruction was visualized via MR-thermometry. The checkup and the therapy accomplishment ensued in the course of an ambulant therapy concept. RESULTS: In the course of a local accomplished LITT of liver metastases and malignant liver tumors a local tumor control rate of 97.8 % was achieved. The complication rate was extremely low with a value of 2.2 % (1 441 treatments). The lethality rate was 0.1 %. The mean survival time referring to the whole patient collective was 47.7 months, in the case of liver metastases from a colorectal cancer a value of 46.8 months was achieved. CONCLUSION: MR-guided LITT is a local effective therapy with low morbidity in malignant liver tumors with a maximum quantity of 5 and a size of </= 5 cm.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Renal enhancement and excretion of the hepatobiliary contrast agent Gd-EOB-DTPA].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical value of the renal clearance using MR imaging with different doses of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-DTPA (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in comparison to gadolinium DTPA (Gd-DTPA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a double-blind and randomized clinical phase II study. MR imaging at 1.5 T was performed in 61 patients with five different doses of Gd-EOB-DTPA (3, 6, 12.5, 25 and 50 micromol/kg b. w. as a bolus injection). The study protocol comprised T(1)- and T(2)-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance and two-dimensional fast low-angle shot imaging before and at increasing intervals for up to 45 min after injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA. These images were compared with Gd-DTPA-enhanced imaging (0.1 mmol/kg b. w. as a bolus injection). RESULTS: After bolus injection of the hepatobiliary MR contrast agent Gd-EOB-DTPA a renal elimination was observed. Immediately after the injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA until the eighth minute a corticomedullary enhancement of the kidney was conspicuous. After the fourth minute a contrast enhancement could be seen in the renal pelvis. The best enhancement was noted after 20 minutes in the FLASH GRE and T(1)-weighted images with good pelvicaliceal contrast. After 45 minutes an outflow of Gd-EOB-DTPA into the ureter could be observed. CONCLUSION: In addition to the hepatobiliary secretion Gd-EOB-DTPA appears useful for the evaluation of renal structures and renal function on account of the renal excretion without diuretic preparation of the patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Effect of three different media on serum free culture of donor corneas and isolated human corneal endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Removal of bovine serum from organ culture medium is necessary because of the variability in serum composition and the potential risk of infection. Two specific endothelial cell media (F99 and Endothelial-SFM) were compared with the routinely used medium MEM for their use in serum free cultivation of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) and donor corneas. METHODS: HCEC were incubated in three test media with or without increasing serum content and a growth assay was performed. Seven pairs of donor corneas were cultured in each of three media for 3 weeks, one cornea with serum supplementation and one without. Endothelial cell density was determined once each week. Trypan blue staining of the endothelium and vital staining of keratocytes was performed after 3 weeks. RESULTS: All three media promoted proliferation of cultured HCEC when supplemented with serum. Endothelial cell density of donor corneas was comparable after 3 weeks of cultivation in the different media. Only corneas cultured in medium MEM without serum exhibited a higher endothelial cell loss. Trypan blue staining of the endothelium after cultivation revealed the lowest number of damaged cells on corneas cultured in the medium Endothelial-SFM. The highest densities of keratocytes were found in corneas cultured in Endothelial-SFM and the lowest densities occurred after culture in MEM. CONCLUSION: After incubation in Endothelial-SFM even under serum free conditions corneas were found to be of higher quality with respect to endothelial cell survival, cell membrane integrity, and keratocyte density. This medium may replace MEM, which is routinely used in European eye banks but requires supplementation with serum.

Aged↗