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Histochemical studies of keratoconus
1Department of Ophthalmology, Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago.
Current Eye Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Keratoconus corneas show varied collagen levels, with some having significantly less. Many also exhibit increased glycosaminoglycans, suggesting potential links to corneal pathology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Histology
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting corneal structure.
- Previous studies suggest biochemical heterogeneity in keratoconus.
- Understanding corneal composition is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify collagen content in keratoconus corneas using histochemical staining.
- To assess polyanion (glycosaminoglycan) levels in keratoconus corneas.
- To investigate potential correlations between these components and keratoconus pathology.
Main Methods:
- Sirius red staining was used to quantitate collagen in deparaffinized corneal tissue sections.
- Safranin O staining was adapted to measure polyanion content in paraffin-embedded sections.
- Staining intensity was analyzed per mm² of corneal surface area and compared to controls.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two of 31 keratoconus corneas showed normal collagen staining.
- Nine keratoconus corneas exhibited reduced collagen staining per mm² compared to controls.
- All but two keratoconus corneas displayed markedly higher polyanion staining per mm² than controls.
Conclusions:
- Keratoconus exhibits heterogeneity in collagen content, with some corneas having reduced levels.
- Keratoconus corneas may have increased glycosaminoglycans and other polyanions.
- These biochemical alterations could contribute to the pathological changes observed in keratoconus.