The Involvement of Multipotential Progenitor Cells in Mooren's Ulcer.
10.3349/ymj.2005.46.3.353
- Author:
In Gul LEE
1
;
Juan YE
;
Jae Chan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jck50ey@kornet.net
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Hematopoietic progenitor cell;
Mooren's ulcer;
stem cells
- MeSH:
Cornea/*pathology;
Corneal Ulcer/*pathology;
Hematopoietic Stem Cells/*pathology;
Humans;
Multipotent Stem Cells/*pathology;
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2005;46(3):353-358
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of multipotential progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer using immunohistochemical staining techniques. Tissue specimens were collected from 3 Mooren's ulcer patients who underwent lamellar keratectomy. Immunohistochemical staining patterns were analyzed using antibodies: CD34, c-kit, STRO-1, CD45RO, VEGF and alpha-SMA. Strong positive CD34, c-kit and STRO-1 cells were revealed in Mooren's ulcer specimens, especially in the superficial stroma. A few weakly expressed CD34 stroma cells were seen in normal limbal cornea but no immunoreactivity for c-kit and STRO-1 could be found. CD45RO positive T cells were found to have infiltrated in Mooren's ulcer. The immunostaining pattern of VEGF and yen a- SMA was closely correlated with the degree of expression and the number of CD34 positive cells. Bone marrow-derived multipotential progenitor cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer by synergizing with other factors to amplify autoimmune destructive reactions and to contribute to the regeneration process. Specific therapeutic strategies that target the role of these cells in the disease are warranted.
