Specular microscopy of the corneal endothelial cells of bovines: an ex vivo study

Background: The endothelium is the most posterior layer of the cornea and is essential for maintaining corneal transparency. Due to variations in corneal endothelial parameters among different species, knowledge of the normal parameters for each species is crucial. Aim: To evaluate the corneal endothelium of bovines using contact specular microscopy. Methods: Twenty eyeballs from 10 male Brangus (Bos taurus) aged 24 months were evaluated. Contact specular microscopy was performed on the central corneal area. The analyzed parameters were endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell morphology. Results: The ECD in the central area was 1,277 cells/mm(2). Regarding the morphology, mainly cells with six (74.3%), five (14.7%) and seven sides (10%) were found. There were no significant differences in ECD and morphology between left and right eyes. Conclusion: Contact specular microscopy facilitated the analysis and measurement of corneal endothelial parameters in bovines. The data obtained will serve as a reference for the analysis of bovine corneal endothelium.