Mitosis and cell division in human corneal endothelium

During routine morphologic evaluation of nine human corneas, obtained from cadavers of persons older than 40 years, numerous endothelial cells were observed undergoing changes similar to those seen during mitotic cell division. An inverted phase-contrast microscope was used to examine the corneal endothelium, and trypan blue vital stain was used to assess cellular viability. Changes noted within the cell and the nucleus were documented photomicrographically. These findings support the hypothesis that cell division and mitosis do occur in human corneal endothelium.