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Cytoskeletal antigen expression in ocular mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
M T Yen1, S C Pflugfelder, C A Crouse
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL 33136.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Cytoskeletal markers differentiate epithelial cells in human ocular tissues like the lacrimal gland and cornea. These antibodies offer potential for identifying ocular mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) epithelia.
Area of Science:
- Ocular immunology
- Epithelial cell biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- The human lacrimal gland (LG) and ocular surface possess distinct epithelial cell populations with specialized functions and varying differentiation states.
- Epithelial cells express cytoskeletal antigens in a pattern that changes with differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify epithelial cell populations within human ocular mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), including the LG, conjunctiva, and cornea.
- To achieve this classification using immunohistochemical staining with anticytoskeletal monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies targeting cytokeratins (AE-1, AE-2, AE-3, AE-5, AE-14, PKK1, 34 beta E12), muscle-specific actin (HHF35), and vimentin.
- Examined staining patterns across LG acini, ducts, myoepithelia, and the conjunctival and corneal epithelia.
Main Results:
- Specific MoAbs demonstrated distinct staining patterns across different ocular MALT epithelia.
- For example, AE-1 stained LG, cornea, and conjunctiva, while AE-5 highlighted suprabasal cells in LG ducts and corneal epithelia.
- HHF35 and antivimentin MoAbs exclusively stained LG myoepithelia.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemical profiles using anticytoskeletal MoAbs can differentiate various epithelial cell types in human ocular MALT.
- These MoAbs show promise as valuable molecular markers for the identification of ocular MALT epithelia.