The number of Langerhans' cells in corneal limbus decreases during preservation

Purpose. To estimate the distribution of Langerhans' (LH) cells in limbal tissue of the cornea during preservation. Methods. The human limbal tissue was placed in storage media (Optisol GS^R) for 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after the donation to eye banks. The tissue was then cut in two pieces. One piece was fixed in Dent's fixative for immunohistochemistry which was carried out with anti-S100 antibody and anti-GD1a antibody. The other piece was placed in 1.25% Glutaraldehyde overnight at 4°C for electron microscopic observation. The cells in the medium were also collected for the immunohistochemistry. Results. The number of LH cells were high in the timbal tissue which was cultured in Optisol GS^R for one day. The cell distribution density decreases with culturing time. In the tissue which was cultured for five days, the LH cells were not observed. LH cells were observed in the storage medium after 3 days preservation. Conclusions. The LH cells in limbus of the cornea decreased during the preservation over three days. Although the mechanism is not known, the presence of LH cells in the media suggests the migration of the cells. It is suggested that in case of limbal transplantation of the cornea, rejection rate may decrease if the donor tissue has been preserved over three days.