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Endogenous hyaluronan in corneal disease
T D Fitzsimmons1, N Molander, U Stenevi
1Department of Ophthalmology, St Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Abnormal hyaluronan (HA) was found in over half of human corneal tissues studied, indicating it is a common response to various corneal disorders and injuries. This presence may impact corneal transparency.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Histochemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hyaluronan (HA) is a water-binding polymer normally found in trace amounts on the corneal endothelium, but not in the epithelium or stroma.
- Various corneal disorders can alter the normal presence and distribution of HA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of hyaluronan (HA) in a wide range of human corneal disorders using a specific histochemical stain.
- To determine if abnormal HA presence correlates with specific corneal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Histochemical staining for HA was performed on 86 human corneal tissue specimens.
- Specimens included corneal buttons, an epithelium scraping, and a pterygium.
- Analysis considered patient sex, age, diagnosis, and HA staining localization.
Main Results:
- Abnormal HA was detected in 57% of the corneal specimens.
- HA was visualized in numerous conditions including Fuch's dystrophy, keratoconus, infections, trauma, and post-surgical changes.
- Staining varied in intensity and location (epithelium, stroma, endothelium).
Conclusions:
- Endogenous hyaluronan production is a common response across a spectrum of corneal disorders, often associated with cellular activity like migration and division.
- The abnormal presence of HA is likely a nonspecific response to wounding.
- Abnormal HA may compromise corneal transparency by affecting collagen spacing and refractive index.