Corneal endothelium and growth factors

• Published in: Survey of ophthalmology 1996-09, Vol.41 (2), p.155-164
• Main Authors: Hoppenreijs, Vincent P.T., Pels, Elisabeth, Vrensen, Gijs F.J.M., Treffers, W.Frits
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell Count; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cell Survival; cornea; corneal endothelium; Endothelium, Corneal - cytology; Endothelium, Corneal - physiology; epidermal growth factor; Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision; fibroblast growth factor; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; growth factors; Growth Substances - physiology; Humans; platelet-derived growth factor; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Wound Healing
• ISSN: 0039-6257; 1879-3304
• DOI: 10.1016/S0039-6257(96)80005-1

Human corneal endothelium is characterized by a low regenerative capacity, mainly because of a low mitotic activity, and therefore complete regeneration of the endothelial layer after injury is precluded. A decrease in endothelial cell density and an abnormal cell mosaic, which may occur after many conditions, can compromise the integrity of the endothelial monolayer, resulting in corneal decompensation with reduced vision and eventual need for penetrating keratoplasty. It would be beneficial to have growth factors that can help to maintain or restore the integrity of this delicate endothelial monolayer by maintaining or increasing the endothelial cell density or to stimulate the regeneration during wound healing. Growth factors represent a group of signalling peptides which influence diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival. One of the areas that has received great interest is its enhancement of wound healing. In this review the effects of three most effective growth factors (EGF, PDGF, FGF) on corneal endothelium, especially on wound healing in human corneal buttons, will be discussed.