Abstract
Abstract Purpose: The Limbal Epithelial Crypt (LEC) is an anatomical structure that is found between the junction of the cornea and sclera and is in a unique position to make it an ideal structure to examine further. Previous studies have demonstrated the LEC to have properties that suggest it may be a stem cell niche. Basal cells of the LEC are significantly smaller than basal cells found in adjacent rete pegs, and morphologically they have a higher nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio. We set out to examine LEC further by exploring the surrounding LEC matrix proteins, and with known differentiation markers. Methods: Donated corneo‐sclero rims were cut into eight equal sized pieces and frozen. Each piece was cut into 7μm serial sections, and was examined by microscopy for LEC structures. Identified LEC was collected on slides and stored until they were fixed in acetone and processed by standard immunofluorescence techniques for each differentiation marker. Results: Tenacin C was more positively taken up by the basement membrane of the LEC compared with the surrounding limbus. In addition, staining for desmoglein was negative against isolated small subpopulations of cells within the basal regions of the LEC. Conclusions: The LEC structure demonstrates properties that may identify this as a possible stem cell niche. Further studies are necessary to determine the significance of the LEC in its role in stem cell maintenance.
Published Version
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