[Distribution of the 70kD stress protein in corneas with alkali burns]

The immunolocalization of 70kD stress-protein (SP 70) was investigated in white rabbit corneas with alkali burns. Corneal alkali burn injuries were induced with 6 mm circular filter paper discs soaked in 1N NaOH. Corneas of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after alkali injury were immunostained with mouse monoclonal anti-SP 70 antibody. In the control rabbit cornea, immunostaining for SP 70 was observed in the nuclei of the basal cells and of the wing cells. On day 1 after alkali injury, total epithelial defect was observed. Immunostaining for SP 70 was not seen in corneas with total epithelial defect. Three days after injury, epithelial resurfacing with corneal edema was observed. Basal cells showed immunostaining for SP 70 in their nuclei and cytoplasm. Five days after injury, irregular basal cells and a few wing cells with cytoplasmic processes were recognized. Both cells showed diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostaining for SP 70. Seven days after injury, the corneal wound was healed, and SP 70 was observed in the nuclei of the epithelial cells again. It appears that SP 70 has a role in corneal epithelial healing after alkali burn injury.