Distribution of types I, II, III, IV and V collagen in normal and keratoconus corneas

By using type-specific antibodies to types I, II, III, IV and V collagens, distribution of distinct types of collagen in normal human cornea as well as keratoconus cornea were examined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. In normal human cornea, immunohistochemical evidence supported the previous biochemical finding that type I collagen was the major type of collagen in human corneal stroma. No reaction was observed to anti-type II collagen antibody in the whole cornea. Anti-type III collagen antibody reacted with the corneal stroma in a similar fashion as that of anti-type I collagen antibody. Type IV collagen was observed in the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium and in Descemet's membrane. Anti-type V collagen antibody also reacted with the corneal stroma diffusely. Bowman's membrane was strongly stained only with he anti-type V collagen antibody. For further details of the distribution of type I, type III and V collagens in human corneal stroma, immunoelectron microscopic study was undertaken. The positive reaction products of anti-type I and anti-type III collagen antibodies were located on the collagen fibrils, while that of anti-type V collagen antibody was either on or close to collagen fibrils. In keratoconus cornea, no difference was observed in terms of the distribution of type I, III and V collagens, while the disruptive and excrescent distribution of type IV collagen was noted in the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium.