J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1999 Oct;40(10):2672-2682.

Immunohistochemical Study for EGFR and PCNA with Electron Micrographic Study of Corneal Epithelium in Growing Rats

• Kim EA
• Ahn CS

Abstract

We have investigated where the stem cells located in the corneal epithelium by using immunohistochemistry for EGFR and PCNA and electron microscopic study. EGFR and PCNA immunoreactivities were observed in the basal epithelial layer in the entire cornea from postnatal day 10, when increased stratification of epithelium was also observed. But in adult, immunoreactive cells were found only in the limbal basal cells. And the basal cells in limbal epithelium maintained their ovoid or round shape even in adult. The basal cells of the limbus had euchromatic nuclei and rich cytoplasmic organelles, compatible with stem cells. Wide intercellular space and polarity of basal cells at postnatal 10 days seems to be associated with cellular migration for increased stratification of epithelium. These results suggest that stem cells are located in the basal layer of the entire corneal epithelium during development. But it seems that as the corneal epithelium matures, these cells are sequestered in the limbus.

Keyword

EGFR; Immunohistochemistry; PCNA; Stem cell

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animals
Cornea
Cytoplasm
Epithelium
Epithelium, Corneal*
Extracellular Space
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Organelles
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen*
Rats*
Stem Cells
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen