EGF Enhances Re-Epithelization in our Ex-Vivo Pig Eye Model

Authors

Andrew D. Le, University of LouisvilleFollow
Lisandra Plana-Ramos, University of LouisvilleFollow
Kate Tarvestad, University of LouisvilleFollow
Brian Ceresa, University of LouisvilleFollow

Program/Event

Undergraduate Research Showcase Spring 2025

Abstract

The cornea, the foremost anterior portion of the eye, plays a critical role in vision by refracting light and serving as a protective barrier. Its three distinct layers—the outermost epithelial layer, the thick stromal layer, and the innermost endothelial layer work together to maintain corneal transparency and function. The epithelial layer is particularly susceptible to damage, which can compromise the eye’s defense against foreign particles such as bacteria and viruses, potentially leading to infection and blindness. In this study, we established an ex vivo porcine corneal model to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate corneal re-epithelialization. Using adult pig eyes sourced from JB Swift, we created 4 mm epithelial wounds and maintained the wounded corneas for treatment. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was applied to assess its effects on wound closure, while phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) served as a control. Wound healing was monitored using fluorescence imaging every 24 hours and quantified via ImageJ analysis. Our results demonstrated that EGF significantly accelerated wound healing compared to the control. This confirms our model’s cost-effectiveness, reproducibility, and reliability, making it an efficacious tool for testing other agents in future corneal wound healing studies.

Recommended Citation

Le, Andrew D.; Plana-Ramos, Lisandra; Tarvestad, Kate; and Ceresa, Brian (2025) "EGF Enhances Re-Epithelization in our Ex-Vivo Pig Eye Model," The Cardinal Edge: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 20.
Available at: https://ir.library.louisville.edu/tce/vol3/iss2/20