Mast Cells Populate the Corneoscleral Limbus: New Insights for Our Understanding of Limbal Microenvironment.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Although stem cell activity represents a crucial feature in corneal and ocular surface homeostasis, other cells populating this region and the neighboring zones might participate and influence local microenvironment. Mast cells, the long-lived and tissue-sited immune cells, have been previously reported in corneoscleral specimens. Herein, mast cells were investigated in corneoscleral tissues and related to microenvironment protein expression.

Methods

Twenty-six (14 male/12 female; older than 60 years) human corneoscleral specimens were sectioned for light and fluorescent immunostaining (CD45, p63, Ck-3/7/12/19, tryptase/AA1, and chymase/CC1). Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival squares were produced for molecular and biochemical analysis. Statistical comparisons were c

SUBMITTER: Micera A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7401584 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature