The introductive observation of the ultrastructure of fresh and preserved human amniotic membrane
Objective:To observe the ultrastructure of fresh and preserved human amniotic membrane and research for the relationship between the ultrastructure of human amniotic membrane and ocular surface reconstruction from morphologic view point.Methods:Transmission electron microscope,scanning electron microscope and optical microscope were used to observe the ultrastructure of fresh and cryopreserved(-80℃)human amniotic membranes for 6 months in pure glycerin.Results:Preserved human amniotic membrane had the same stucture of regular and intact epithelial cells as the fresh one.Their conformation,arrangement,microvilli microplicae,cell junctions and secreted grains still existed even though they had been cryopreserved for 6 months.Conclusion:The human amniotic membrane cryopreserved at-80℃ for 6 months in pure glycerin has the same ultrastructure as the fresh one.