Limbal epithelial crypt: a model for corneal epithelial maintenance and novel limbal regional variations.
Arch Ophthalmol
; 126(5): 665-9, 2008 May.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18474777
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the distribution of cell membrane proteins and extracellular matrix proteins around the limbal epithelial crypt (LEC) compared with adjacent limbus and corneal epithelium.METHODS:
Serial histological sections of human corneoscleral limbus rims were stained with antibodies of interest by standard immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:
Superficial cells of the limbus were desmoglein 3 positive, compared with the negative basal cells of the limbus that correspond to cells with more stemlike properties. The LEC had a much lower proportion of desmoglein 3 staining in comparison. Tenascin C staining demonstrated regional variations of the limbus depending on their association with the LEC. Limbus that was associated with or adjacent to the LEC had a greater tenascin C expression compared with normal limbus, whereas the LEC demonstrated the greatest tenascin C expression.CONCLUSIONS:
Based on these and similar results previously reported for connexin 43, we propose a novel model on the mechanism of corneal surface epithelium maintenance involving 3 different limbal regions zone 1, limbus including the LEC; zone 2, limbus associated with the LEC; and zone 3, limbus distant to the LEC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The noted limbal variations may influence the selection of the donor site for limbal grafts in the future.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Células Madre
/
Limbo de la Córnea
/
Epitelio Corneal
/
Células Epiteliales
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Año:
2008
Tipo del documento:
Article