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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Expression of extracellular matrix components in the meibomian gland
Di Chen1, Xiaomin Chen2, Hua-Tao Xie3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Purpose:
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the stem cell local microenvironment. Our study aims to explore the periglandular distribution of major components of ECM in the Meibomian gland (MG).
Methods:
Human eyelids and mouse eyelids were collected and processed for immunofluorescence staining.
Results:
Human MG tissues stained positive for collagen IV α1, collagen IV α2, collagen IV α5, and collagen IV α6 around the acini and duct, but negative for collagen IV α3 and collagen IV α4. The mouse MG were stained positive for the same collagen IV subunits as early as postnatal day 15. Laminin α2, laminin β1 and perlecan stained the regions surrounding the acini and the acinar/ductal junction in the human MG, but not the region around the duct. Tenascin-C was found specifically located at the junctions between the acini and the central ducts. Neither agrin nor endostatin was found in the human MG tissues.
Conclusion:
The ECM expresses specific components in different regions around the MG, which may play a role in MG stem cell regulation, renewal, and regeneration.
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