Preliminary evaluation of the biocompatibility of the small intestinal submucosa (SIS) biomaterial with the rabbit cornea

The early stages of the ocular response to porcine small intestinal submuco sa (SIS) transplantation were assessed in a model of anterior keratectomy i n the rabbit. After surgery, the operated eyes (n = 17) were examined on a regular basis over a 15-day period and animals were sacrified at predetermi ned times for histopathologic evaluation. In all but one animal, the biomat erial was well tolerated, and the corneal response was restricted to a loca lized neovascularization. The grafted material was epithelialised within 7 days and incorporated into the corneal tissue without inducing granuloma fo rmation. In one rabbit, the corneal inflammation was severe but the biomate rial was maintained in place. Although further studies with longer follow-u p periods are needed, these preliminary observations suggest that porcine S IS can be incorporated into the corneal tissue during healing process and m ay represent a promising graft material for lamellar keratoplasty.