Animal model with structural similarity to human corneal collagen fibrillar arrangement

AbstractRabbit and porcine corneas have been used in scientific research due to their structural similarity to the human cornea. Currently, there are no studies that have compared corneal collagen fibrillar diameter, interfibrillar distance and interlamellar distance between human and animal models. Ten pairs of porcine, rabbit, and human corneas were used. These were analysed using light and Transmission Electron microscopy. The collagen fibrillar diameter, interfibrillar distance and interlamellar distance were statistically compared between porcine, rabbit and human corneas. The human, porcine and rabbit; mean collagen fibrillar diameters were: 24.52  ± 2.09 nm; 32.87 ± 0.87 nm; and 33.67 ± 1.97 nm. The mean interfibrillar distances were: 46.10 ± 2.44 nm; 53.33 ± 2.24 nm; and 52.87 ± 2.73 nm, respectively. The collagen fibrillar diameter and interfibrillar distance of porcine and rabbit corneas were significan tly different (p <  0.001) to the human corneal values but not form each other. The interlamellar distance of human, porcine and rabbit corneas was: 2190 ± 820 nm; 6460 ± 1180 nm; and 4410 ± 1330 nm, respectively. All the comparisons were statistically different, in porcine versus rabbit at thep <  0.01 level and both porcine and rabbit versus human at thep <  0.001 level. Histologically, all five layers (epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet membrane and endothelium) of the cornea were...

Source: Anatomical Science International - January 3, 2021 Category: Anatomy Source Type: research