Objective: To develop intermediate term storage media suitable for Chinese eye banks.
Methods: Corneal buttons of rabbits were stored in DX solution freshly prepared. After storage for several days, the survival rate of the corneal endothelial cells was examined, enzymohistochemical staining and ultrastructural examinations were carried out for the buttons. Thirty-seven human corneas stored in DX solution for 3 - 11 days were used for corneal transplantation, clinically.
Results: There was no significant difference between rabbit corneal buttons stored in DX sol. and in Optisol in any indices studied. 37 grafts were all transparent in 1 week after transplantation, and the mean endothelial cell density was (2,204.56 +/- 689.56) cells/mm(2).
Conclusion: As a safe and efficient intermediate term (about 1 week) storage medium, DX sol. is appropriate for Chinese eye banks.