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Connective tissue growth factor in retrocorneal membranes and corneal scars
K Wunderlich1, B C Senn, P Reiser
1University Eye Clinic and Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
We studied the localization and distribution of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in corneal scar tissue and membranes using in situ hybridization in 8 corneas from keratoplasty and 4 normal corneas. Identification of the cells was done with immunohistochemistry for SM-alpha-actin, vimentin, and Lu5. CTGF mRNA was found in activated corneal fibroblasts in 7 of 8 scars, 7 of 8 retrocorneal membranes and 2 subepithelial membranes, whereas the control corneas showed no CTGF mRNA expression. Vimentin was positive in all scars, retrocorneal and subepithelial membranes, SM-alpha-actin in 7 of 8 scars and 6 of 8 retrocorneal membranes. These results suggest that CTGF plays a crucial role in corneal wound healing and membrane formation.