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Mast cells in pterygium: number and phenotype
T Nakagami1, A Murakami, S Okisaka
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Pterygium tissue has twice the number of mast cells compared to normal conjunctiva. These mast cells (MC(TC)S) may contribute to pterygium development through angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, independent of allergic responses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pterygium is a common ocular surface condition.
- The exact pathogenesis of pterygium remains incompletely understood.
- Mast cells are implicated in various inflammatory and tissue remodeling processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
- To compare mast cell numbers and phenotypes in pterygium tissue versus normal conjunctiva.
Main Methods:
- Excised pterygium tissues (n=35) and normal conjunctival tissues were analyzed.
- Mast cells were quantified using Toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry for tryptase.
- Mast cell phenotype was assessed by co-expression of chymase and c-kit.
Main Results:
- Pterygium tissues exhibited a twofold increase in mast cell numbers compared to normal conjunctiva.
- Over 94% of mast cells in pterygia were tryptase-positive and chymase-positive (MC(TC)S).
- No significant phenotypic differences were observed between mast cells in pterygia and normal conjunctiva.
Conclusions:
- The increased number of mast cells in pterygium, potentially due to non-allergic stimulation, may drive its pathogenesis.
- Mast cells (MC(TC)S) in pterygium appear to be involved in angiogenesis and tissue remodeling.
- These findings suggest a non-immune system-related role for mast cells in pterygium development.