Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) tissues always scroll with the endothelial cells (EC) outside. We designed a study to understand the reason for this behavior.

Experimental study.

Elastin content in Descemet membrane (DM), pre-Descemet layer (PDL), central and peripheral stroma, sclera, and trabecular meshwork were measured by the Fastin elastin assay kit. Distribution of elastin in DM, PDL, and anterior lens capsule (ALC) were examined by immunohistology. The effect of recombinant elastase enzyme and the effect of complete removal of EC and epithelial cells on the scrolling of DM and ALC, respectively, were studied.

PDL showed the highest elastin content among the different tissues studied. Elastin localized as a distinct anterior band in the DM and was uniformly distributed in the PDL demarcating the latter from corneal stroma. Enzymatic treatment of DM with elastase reversed scrolling and corresponded with degradation or disappearance of elastin. Removal of EC did not affect the direction of scrolling. ALC behaved in the same manner with regard to distribution of elastin, scrolling, and removal of epithelial cells.

This pattern of elastin distribution in DM explains why DMEK and PDEK tissues always scroll with the EC outside. This behavior is not influenced by the EC. High elastin content and uniform distribution in the PDL suggest a structural difference from the posterior stroma.