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07:01
Impression Cytology of the Lid Wiper Area
Published on: August 9, 2016
Morphological characteristics of the limbal epithelial crypt
Vijay A Shanmuganathan1, Toshana Foster, Bina B Kulkarni
1The Larry A Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 6, 2006
Summary
The limbal epithelial crypt (LEC) is a consistent structure in the human limbus. This study found LECs contain unique cells, suggesting they are a potential stem cell niche.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anatomy
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- The limbus is crucial for corneal maintenance.
- A novel structure, the limbal epithelial crypt (LEC), was previously identified at the limbus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution, immunophenotype, and ultrastructure of the LEC.
- To evaluate the LEC as a potential stem cell niche.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of human corneo-scleral limbal rims.
- Immunophenotypical analysis of LEC cells.
- Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural and morphometric evaluation.
Main Results:
- 74 LECs were identified in eight limbal rims, showing varied distribution.
- LEC cells exhibited a specific phenotype (CK3-/CK19+/CD 34-/Vimentin+/p63+/Connexin 43+/MIB1-).
- LEC basal cells were smaller and had a higher nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio than adjacent cells.
Conclusions:
- Limbal epithelial crypts are consistently found in the human limbus.
- The LEC harbors a unique cell subpopulation.
- These characteristics support the LEC as a putative stem cell niche.
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