MIC-1 Antlerogenic Stem Cells Homogenate from Cervus elaphus Accelerate Corneal Burn Reepithelization in Rabbits

Abstract

Deer antler is the only mammalian organ that can fully grow back once lost from its pedicle. Antler regeneration is a stem cell-based process. Therefore, antlers probably offer the most pertinent model for studying organ regeneration in mammals. Evaluation of the effect of deer antler stem cells on the healing of superficial and deep rabbit corneal wounds was performed. Thirty-six New Zealeand White rabbits were used in this study in superficial and deep denaturation models, and corneal erosion was performed with n-heptanol placed on the cornea for 30 and NaOH for 90 s. Antler stem cells in drop formulation with hyaluronate was used. As a control, sodium hyaluronate in the superficial model and protein-free calf blood dialysate (Solcoseryl) in the deep model were administered. In superficial corneal damage, a reduction in the area of the damaged cornea was observed from day 3 of the experiment to an adequate level: 45% in the test group and 52% in the control group relative to the baseline damage (100%). Between days 3 and 7, on average, a smaller lesion area was observed in the group receiving antler stem cells. The use of antler stem cells has resulted in a marked improvement in cornea clarity. According to the 5-point scale of corneal opacity evaluation, where 1 is completely clear and 5 is completely opaque, the first statistically significant changes were observed after 4 weeks of treatment: 3.0 in the study group, 4.1 in the control with Solcoseryl, and 4.4 in the control group. After 9 weeks, these values were, 2.5, 3.8, and 4.1, respectively. The present preliminary study shows the promising results of antlerogenic stem cells of Cervus elaphus topically applied for the treatment of corneal injury. A deeper understanding of the developmental mechanisms involved in antler renewal can be useful for controlling regeneration cornea processes.