Cell Pattern in Adult Human Corneal Endothelium

Carlos H Wörner,Nuria Garzón-Jiménez,José L Ruíz-García,Alicia Olguín,Che John Connon

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019483

Carlos H Wörner, Nuria Garzón-Jiménez + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0019483

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Abstract

A review of the current data on the cell density of normal adult human endothelial cells was carried out in order to establish some common parameters appearing in the different considered populations. From the analysis of cell growth patterns, it is inferred that the cell aging rate is similar for each of the different considered populations. Also, the morphology, the cell distribution and the tendency to hexagonallity are studied. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that this phenomenon is analogous with cell behavior in other structures such as dry foams and grains in polycrystalline materials. Therefore, its driving force may be controlled by the surface tension and the mobility of the boundaries.

Highlights

Biological cell patterns are a contemporary theme of study, both for its intrinsic biological interest and by their potential medical applications
Current research has been recently summarized [1] and lately, it is possible to mention the works on the hexagonal packing of Drosophila wings [2] the results of on Drosophila retina [3], and a theoretical approach on geometric order in Drosophila imaginal discs [4]
It is a well established fact that corneal endothelial cells form a monolayer of mosaic-like cells, with twodimensional tessellation on the posterior surface of the cornea. It is well-known that its cellular morphological characteristics evolve with aging: some cells grow and others disappear

Summary

Introduction

Biological cell patterns are a contemporary theme of study, both for its intrinsic biological interest and by their potential medical applications. It is a well established fact that corneal endothelial cells form a monolayer of mosaic-like cells, with twodimensional tessellation on the posterior surface of the cornea. It is well-known that its cellular morphological characteristics evolve with aging: some cells grow and others disappear. Polymegethism (cell size) and polymorphism (geometric cell parameters) are usually measured by optical microscopy. Several eye anomalies can be detected by a physical examination of this tissue, and its ‘‘normal’’ characteristics need to be studied thoroughly

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