Canine corneal endothelial cell analysis using vital dyes and light microscopy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Ocular Pathology
• Microscopy Techniques

Background:

• The canine corneal endothelium plays a crucial role in maintaining corneal clarity and function.
• Accurate assessment of endothelial morphology is vital for diagnosing and understanding corneal diseases in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of vital dyes (trypan blue and alizarin red) combined with light microscopy for assessing canine corneal endothelial morphology ex vivo.
• To establish baseline morphological parameters of the canine corneal endothelium.

Main Methods:

• Corneas from 40 canine eyes were stained with trypan blue and alizarin red.
• Light microscopy and ImageJ software were used to analyze mean cell density (MCD), mean cell area (MCA), polymegathism, and pleomorphism.
• Data were analyzed to compare outcomes between sexes, breeds, and age groups.

Main Results:

• Established mean values for MCD (2544 cells/mm²), MCA (431 μm²), polymegathism (17%), and pleomorphism (84%).
• No significant differences were found between sexes or between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs.
• Older dogs (≥10 years) exhibited significantly different MCA, pleomorphism, and MCD compared to younger dogs, with age significantly correlating with all measured parameters.

Conclusions:

• Vital dye staining and light microscopy provide a reliable method for evaluating canine corneal endothelium ex vivo.
• Age is a significant factor influencing canine corneal endothelial morphology, with specific changes observed in older dogs.
• These findings provide a foundation for future research into canine corneal health and disease.