Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Histology

Background: Vitamin A was found to promote corneal wound healing after an alkali burn in rats by its anti-inflammatory, anti-neovascularization and anti-apoptotic effects. Additionally adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) is a new therapeutic strategy for corneal tissue regeneration that relies on their multipotency. Aim: This study was planned to investigate the effect of adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) versus vitamin A combined with antibiotic on corneal wound healing following chemical injury in male albino rats. This study aimed at comparing the outcome of early and late administration of stem cells on corneal wound healing. Material and methods: The present work was carried out on 46 adult male albino rats, divided into 4 groups. Group I (control) included 10 rats; group II (alkali burn): 12 rats were subjected to corneal alkali burn injury using NaOH. GII was subdivided into 3 subgroups; gIIa, gIIb and gIIc, these rats were sacrificed 3 days, 3 weeks and 6 weeks post injury respectively. Group III (vitamin A): 12 rats were subjected to corneal alkali burn then they received retinyl palmitate at a dose of 1500 IU, as eye drops and antibiotic (cravit) at a dose of 0.1ml, as eye drops four times daily for 3 days. GIII was subdivided into 3 subgroups; gIIIa, gIIIb and gIIIc. Group IV (stem cells): 12 rats were subjected to corneal alkali burn then they received an injection of one million of ADSCs via tail vein. GIV was subdivided into 2 subgroups; gIVa (early treatment) and gIVb (late treatment): Rats of subgroups gIVa1 and gIVa2 were sacrificed 3 days and 3 weeks after injection

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