Impediments to eye transplantation: ocular viability following optic-nerve transection or enucleation

Br J Ophthalmol. 2009 Sep;93(9):1134-40. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2008.155267. Epub 2009 Mar 13.

Abstract

Maintenance of ocular viability is one of the major impediments to successful whole-eye transplantation. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current literature to help guide future studies in order to overcome this hurdle. A systematic multistage review of published literature was performed. Three specific questions were addressed: (1) Is recovery of visual function following eye transplantation greater in cold-blooded vertebrates when compared with mammals? (2) Is outer retina function following enucleation and reperfusion improved compared with enucleation alone? (3) Following optic-nerve transection, is there a correlation between retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and either time after transection or proximity of the transection to the globe? In a majority of the studies performed in the literature, recovery of visual function can occur after whole-eye transplantation in cold-blooded vertebrates. Following enucleation (and reperfusion), outer retinal function is maintained from 4 to 9 h. RGC survival following optic-nerve transection is inversely related to both the time since transection and the proximity of transection to the globe. Lastly, neurotrophins can increase RGC survival following optic-nerve transection. This review of the literature suggests that the use of a donor eye is feasible for whole-eye transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eye / physiopathology
  • Eye / transplantation*
  • Eye Enucleation / adverse effects*
  • Optic Nerve Injuries / complications*
  • Optic Nerve Injuries / physiopathology
  • Retina / physiology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / physiology*
  • Tissue Donors
  • Tissue Survival / physiology
  • Visual Acuity