Abstract

FR.23.01

Immunhistologic study on the relation of Salzmann nodules and limbal stem cells in corneal surface problems

Eberwein P., Auw-Haedrich C., Reinhard T.
University Eye Clinic Freiburg

Objective: The etiology of Salzmann nodular degeneration remains unclear. Salzmann nodular degeneration consists of subepithelial deposits of collagen. To date, it is speculation that this material is produced by the overlaying epithelium. Recently Salzmann nodular degeneration has been associated with limbal stem cells. It has been shown that the overlaying epithelium expresses Cytokeratin 19 (CK19), a marker for undifferentiated corneal epithelium. By analyzing histological probes of Salzmann nodular degenerations for limbal stem cell markers (CK19, Connexin 43, ABCG2, Integrin-b1, DNP63-a) and corneal markers (CK3/12) we want to look for a possible relation between Salzmann nodular degeneration and limbal epithelial cells. This is of great interest as only little is known about the structure “limbus” and its resident limbal stem cells.
Methods: 50 histologic probes of Salzmann nodular degenerations of the cornea will be analyzed for differentiated corneal epithelium and limbal epithelium/ limbal stem cells. Cytokeratin 3/12 represents a marker for differentiated corneal epithelium. CK19 represents a marker for undifferentiated corneal epithelium and Connexin 43, DNP63-a, g-Enolase, ABCG2 and Integrin-b1 represent markers of limbal epithelium and limbal stem cells. Three independent, blinded examiners will evaluate around 400 cells in predefined areas. The relation of positive cells to negative cells in a basal and superficial layer will be analysed.

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