The Immunohistochemical Localization of CD44 in Rabbit and Human Cornea

ABSTRACT

The CD44 protein has a functional domain for binding hyaluronic acid, maintaining the integrity and structure of the epithelium. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence and comparison of distribution of CD44 in human and rabbit corneas using immunohistochemical staining method. Immunostaining for CD44 was observed in the epithelium, endothelium and human stromal keratocytes. In particular, the strong positive deposition for CD44 can be seen in basal and limbal layers of the epithelium and in the endothelium. Immunodeposits for CD44 in rabbit cornea were detected in superficial parts of the epithelium, while they were localized in deep stromal keratocytes and the endothelium. In conjunctival tissue, immunostaining for CD44 was found in the epithelium, connective tissue, and vascular endothelium in human specimen but was faintly demonstrated only in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue in the rabbit conjunctiva. No immunostaining for CD44 was seen in control case. Our results suggest that CD44 protein can be seen both in human and rabbit corneas. However, there was different distribution of CD44 between two specimens.