Expression of collagen type Ⅲ, laminin and fibronectin in Mooren's ulcer / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the locations and levels of collagen type Ⅲ, laminin, and fibronectin in Mooren's ulcer and normal human corneas. Methods An indirect immunofluorescent technique and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the distribution of collagen type Ⅲ, laminin, and fibronectin. The positive results were quantitatively analyzed with an image-processing system. Results Collagen type Ⅲ was not detected in the normal cornea. However, the staining could be seen in the corneal stroma close to Mooren's ulcer focus. Laminin was expressed faintly in the basement membrane of the normal cornea and the positive expression increased in the basement membrane and Bowman's membrane of Mooren's ulcer. In the normal cornea basement membrane, fibronectin was located continuously. In Mooren's ulcer basement membrane, however, fibronectin could not be found in all sections in which one expressed in epithelium and the others in stoma close to the ulcer focus. Conclusion Epithelial basement membrane may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer.