Objective To compare the effects of fresh amniotic membrane (FAM)

glycerol-preserved amniotic membrane (GPAM)

alcohol-preserved amniotic membrane (APAM) and amniotic membrane preserved under vacuum drying condition (VXAM) on rabbit corneal alkali burn and to observe the outcomes of the grafted amniotic membrane.  Methods Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits were used to establish corneal alkali burn models and then divided into 4 groups according different preserved amniotic membrane they received (FAM

GPAM

VXAM and APAM)

with 9 rabbits in each group. After transplantation

we observed the changes of amniotic membrane graft

corneal opacity

corneal neovascularization (CNV) with slit lamp microscopy. The amniotic membrane graft was examined by HE staining 10 d

14 d and 1 month after transplantation.  Results One month later

FAM graft

GPAM graft and VXAM graft showed better curative effect than APAM graft. Ten days after transplantation

the amniotic membrane graft began to dissolve and desquamate

and disappeared completely till 14 d after transplantation. Amniotic membrane tissues were not found under light microscope in any rabbit. FAM graft dissolved most quickly

and APAM graft was the most slowly. The dissolution of GPAM graft and VXAM graft had no significant difference.  Conclusion After amniotic membrane transplantation

it dissolves and sheds instead of fusing with recipient tissues. Corneal epithelium grows under amniotic membrane graft. Amniotic membrane graft transplantation should be called as amniotic membrane patching.