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Nerve terminals at the human corneoscleral limbus
Mouhamed A Al-Aqaba1, Fady S Anis1, Imran Mohammed1
1Larry A Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Section of Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 17, 2017
Summary
Distinct subepithelial compact nerve endings (CNE) were identified in the human corneoscleral limbus. These nerve terminals are closely associated with limbal stem cell niches, potentially influencing their microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Histology
Background:
- The human corneoscleral limbus is a critical interface between the cornea and sclera.
- Understanding its innervation is crucial for comprehending ocular surface homeostasis and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize distinct subepithelial compact nerve endings (CNE) in the human corneoscleral limbus.
- To investigate the morphological features and anatomical associations of these nerve structures.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme histochemical staining for acetylcholinesterase and H&E staining were performed on human corneoscleral tissues.
- Whole-mount en face and serial cross-section imaging were utilized for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Distinct CNE were identified under the epithelium in a 2mm zone of the limbus.
- These nerve endings, ranging from 20-100µm, exhibited multiloculated and multinucleated ovoid structures with nerve connections to the limbal nerve plexus.
- They were closely associated with limbal epithelial crypts and stem cell niches.
Conclusions:
- The human corneoscleral limbus harbors a unique population of CNE with specific morphological characteristics.
- These CNE are intimately associated with limbal stem cell niches, suggesting a role in regulating the niche environment.
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