Connective tissue growth factor in retrocorneal membranes and corneal scars.
We studied the localization and distribution of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in corneal scar tissue and membranes using in situ hybridization in 8 corneas from keratoplasty and 4 normal corneas. Identification of the cells was done with immunohistochemistry for SM-alpha-actin, vimentin, and Lu5. CTGF mRNA was found in activated corneal fibroblasts in 7 of 8 scars, 7 of 8 retrocorneal membranes and 2 subepithelial membranes, whereas the control corneas showed no CTGF mRNA expression. Vimentin was positive in all scars, retrocorneal and subepithelial membranes, SM-alpha-actin in 7 of 8 scars and 6 of 8 retrocorneal membranes. These results suggest that CTGF plays a crucial role in corneal wound healing and membrane formation.
Wunderlich
K
K
University Eye Clinic and Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Senn
B C
BC
Reiser
P
P
Pech
M
M
Flammer
J
J
Meyer
P
P
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D000199:Actins; D015415:Biomarkers; C526317:CCN2 protein, human; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D006133:Growth Substances; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014746:Vimentin; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor