[Application of lectin histochemistry to various types of corneal dystrophy]

We described the staining pattern of deposits in 4 cases of the staining method employing corneal dystrophy by avidin-biotin peroxidase complex employing biotinated lectins as intermediate products. The specimens consisted of 8 keratoplasty specimens obtained from 2 cases of granular dystrophy and 4 cases of lattice dystrophy and one case each of primary droplet dystrophy and Reis-Bücklers dystrophy. In two cases with granular dystrophy, deposits stained positively with WGA and with Con A in one case. The deposits found in lattice dystrophy were stained with WGA in 3 cases and with Con A in one case. The deposits noted in primary gelatinous droplet dystrophy were stained with WGA and those in Reis-Bücklers dystrophy were not stained with any lectin. The staining patterns suggested that the deposits found in granular and lattice dystrophy possess N-acetyl-D-glucosamine as a sugar residue. They may possess alpha-D-mannose and/or alpha-D-glucose.