Abstract
The conjunctiva is important adnexa of the eye that maintains the stability of the tear film. The objective of current study is to describe the histological features of palpebral conjunctiva of the dromedary, emphasizing the distribution of Muc1 using indirect tissue immunofluorescence technique. Conjunctival samples of ten adult, apparently healthy dromedary camels of both sexes were collected, fixed, embedded in paraffin and stained with H&E for general histological structure, Masson´s trichrome for fibrous tissue, Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) for goblet cells and immunofluorescence for the distribution of Muc1. The palpebral conjunctiva of the dromedary camel is lined with stratified squamous to stratified columnar epithelium. Large numbers of goblet cells were identified associated with conjunctival epithelial cells. The lamina propria consisted of loose superficial cell layer and a deeper tarsal plate. Within the lamina propria, there were lymphoid follicles, numerous tarsal glands and palpebral seromucoid glands. The palpebral conjunctiva and associated palpebral glands were stained positive for PAS and Muc1. In conclusions, the eye of the dromedary camel is protected with a palpebral conjunctival tissue that is richly populated with PAS positive cells and numerous Muc1-producing cells.
Highlights
The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the ocular surface and composed of non-keratinized squamous epithelium with goblet cells interspersed between the epithelial cells (Banks, 1993; Aughey and Frye, 2001; Samuelson, 2007; Gillan, 2008)
Conjunctival epithelium The palpebral conjunctiva of the dromedary camel was lined with epithelia that varied from stratified squamous to stratified columnar
Laminapropriamucosae The lamina propria mucosa of the palpebral conjunctiva was composed of two layers, a superficial loose layer and a deep fibrous one
Summary
The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the ocular surface and composed of non-keratinized squamous epithelium with goblet cells interspersed between the epithelial cells (Banks, 1993; Aughey and Frye, 2001; Samuelson, 2007; Gillan, 2008). The tear film mucous layer on the ocular surface consists of several high molecular weight glycoconjugates including mucins, which are secreted mainly by the conjunctival goblet cells and is essential for normal vision. This layer plays an important role in protecting the ocular surface from exogenous agents and provides lubrication (Ríos et al, 2000; Sugiura et al, 2010, Wizert et al, 2014). It is well-established that the stratified squamous epithelia of the human cornea and conjunctiva normally express Mucl, the membrane-spanning mucin, as one of the ocular surface mucins.
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