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Limbal Basal Cell Density Decreases in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Eric H Chan1, Luxia Chen2, Jian Yu Rao3
1Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 8, 2015
Summary
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) causes a significant decrease in basal cell density in both the cornea and limbus. This suggests limbal stem cells are affected globally and can be measured early in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a sight-threatening condition affecting the ocular surface.
- Understanding the cellular changes in LSCD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify changes in limbal basal epithelial cell density in eyes with LSCD.
- To assess the utility of basal cell density as an early indicator of limbal stem cell (LSC) function.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study comparing 43 eyes with LSCD to 10 normal control eyes.
- In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Rostock Corneal Module) was used to image the central cornea and limbus.
- Basal cell density and diameter were measured by two independent observers.
Main Results:
- Eyes with LSCD showed a significant decrease in basal cell density: 31.0% in the cornea and 23.6% in the limbus compared to controls (P < .001).
- Basal cell diameter increased by 24.6% in the cornea and 15.7% in the limbus.
- Cell density decline was observed even in unaffected regions in sectoral LSCD, indicating a global effect on LSCs.
Conclusions:
- LSCD leads to a global reduction in limbal stem cell density in both the cornea and limbus.
- Measuring basal cell density is a viable method for assessing LSC function in the early stages of LSCD.
