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Immunolocalisation of leukaemia inhibitory factor in the cornea
K Ramaesh1, T Ramaesh, J D West
1Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnaval General Hospital 1053, Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK. k.ramaesh@talk21.com
Insights
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is present in the cornea. This cytokine is found in corneal epithelium and fibroblasts, suggesting a role in maintaining corneal health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Cytokine Research
Background:
- Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine with diverse functions including regulation of stem cell proliferation, vascular genesis, inflammation, and immunity.
- The expression and specific role of LIF in the cornea have not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) within the cornea.
- To determine the cellular localization of LIF in corneal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect LIF.
- Polyclonal LIF antibodies and the Avidin-Biotin ABC complex were utilized.
- Analysis was performed on cultured human corneal epithelium, human corneal fibroblasts, and wild-type murine corneal epithelium.
Main Results:
- Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was detected in the cytoplasm of cells.
- LIF expression was observed in murine corneal epithelium.
- LIF was also found in cultured human corneal epithelium and human corneal fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is expressed in both corneal epithelium and fibroblasts.
- The presence of LIF suggests a potential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the corneal epithelium and stroma.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the functions of LIF in the cornea.
Aim:
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleotrophic cytokine expressed in a variety of cell types, and have shown to regulate stem cell proliferation, vascular genesis, inflammation, and immunity in various locations. Expression of LIF and its role in the cornea have not been studied previously. In this study, we examined the expression of LIF in the cornea.
Materials And Method:
Immunohistochemistry was performed using polyclonal LIF antibodies, and Avidin-Biotin ABC complex on cultured human corneal epithelium corneal fibroblasts and wild-type murine corneal epithelium.
Results:
LIF was detected in the cytoplasm of murine corneal epithelium, cultured human corneal epithelium, and fibroblasts. The expression of LIF was mainly cytoplasmic.
Conclusion:
LIF is expressed in the corneal epithelium and fibroblasts. It may have an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis of the corneal epithelium and cornea stroma. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of LIF in the cornea.
