Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
06:46

Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies

Published on: February 15, 2019

Extracellular matrix components in a case of retrocorneal membrane associated with syphilitic interstitial keratitis

R Kawaguchi1, S Saika, M Wakayama

  • 1Second Department of Ophthalmology, Ohashi Hospital, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Cornea
|February 24, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Retrocorneal membranes (RCM) in syphilitic keratitis contain collagen and fibroblast-like corneal endothelial cells (CECs). These CECs may produce RCM components, with heat shock protein 47 playing a key role.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cell Biology
  • Extracellular Matrix Research

Background:

  • Syphilitic interstitial keratitis can lead to uncommon web-like retrocorneal membranes (RCM).
  • The extracellular matrix composition of RCM has not been fully defined.
  • Previous studies suggested collagen presence in RCM.

Observation:

  • Histology revealed concentric, acellular layers containing collagen types I, III, and IV.
  • Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) expressed vimentin, collagen I, fibronectin, and heat shock protein 47 (Hsp 47).
  • CECs did not show proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki67) or alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA).

Findings:

  • RCM associated with syphilitic keratitis is composed of collagen types I, III, and IV.
  • CECs exhibit a fibroblastic phenotype and express matrix proteins.
  • Hsp 47 upregulation in CECs is implicated in RCM formation.

Implications:

  • CECs may be responsible for secreting extracellular matrix components in RCM.
  • These findings enhance understanding of CEC phenotypic modulation in disease.
  • This research provides insights into the pathogenesis of syphilitic interstitial keratitis complications.

More Related Videos

Tissue Engineering of Tumor Stromal Microenvironment with Application to Cancer Cell Invasion05:48

Tissue Engineering of Tumor Stromal Microenvironment with Application to Cancer Cell Invasion

Published on: March 18, 2014

Establishing a Severe Corneal Inflammation Model in Rats Based on Corneal Epithelium Curettage Combined with Corneal Sutures04:48

Establishing a Severe Corneal Inflammation Model in Rats Based on Corneal Epithelium Curettage Combined with Corneal Sutures

Published on: November 22, 2024

Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins01:21

Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins

Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...