Cholesterol localization in ultrathin frozen sections in Schnyder's corneal crystalline dystrophy.
We examined a 57-year-old woman who had bilateral corneal crystalline deposits associated with xanthelasma. The patient's son had bilateral stromal haze. Plasma cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I and B levels were normal. Histopathologic examination disclosed lipid deposits, particularly in the superficial stroma and Bowman's layer. These deposits stained with oil red O and filipin, a fluorescent probe that specifically detects unesterified cholesterol. Cryoultramicrotomy disclosed more specific ultrastructural localization of unesterified cholesterol with an array of crystals resembling multiple plates in extracellular corneal tissue.
Rodrigues
M M
MM
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201.
Kruth
H S
HS
Krachmer
J H
JH
Vrabec
M P
MP
Blanchette-Mackie
J
J
D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005372:Filipin; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged
D005372:Filipin; D002784:Cholesterol