Background:The limiting factor to ceal transplantation is the availability of donors.Research has suggested that xenogenic acellular ceal scaffolds (XACS) may be a possible altative to transplantation.This study aimed to investigate the viability of performing lamellar ceal transplantation (LCT) in rabbits using canine XACS.Methods:Fresh dog ceas were decellularized by serial digestion,and LCT was performed on rabbit eyes using xenogeneic decellularized ceal matrix.Cellular and morphological changes were observed by slit-lamp,light,and scanning electron microscopy at 7,30 and 90 days postoperatively.Immunocytochemical staining for specific markers such as keratin 3,vimentin and MUC5AC,was used to identify cells in the graft.Results:Decellularized xenogenic ceal matrix remained transparent for about 1-month after LCT.The recipient cells were able to survive and proliferate into the grafts.Three months after transplantation,grafts had merged with host tissue,and graft epithelialization and vascularization had occurred.Ceal nerve fibers were able to grow into the graft in rabbits transplanted with XACS.Conclusions:Xenogenic acellular ceal scaffolds can maintain the transparency of ceal grafts about 1-month and permit growth of cells and nerve fibers,and is,therefore,a potential substitute or carrier for a replacement cea.