Abstract

AIMS This study was undertaken to confirm the distribution and expression of the molecule CD44 on human corneas under normal and pathological conditions.

METHODS Fifty eight corneal buttons from adult patients suffering from various corneal diseases and four normal corneas were included in this study. Frozen sections were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies against human CD44 using an APAAP method and observed under a light microscope.

RESULTS In normal corneas CD44 was predominantly expressed on the membranes of basal epithelial cells and on the keratocytes, as well as on the vascular endothelial cells of the corneal limbi, but was not expressed on corneal endothelial cells. Enhanced expression of CD44 was observed on the epithelium of corneas with inflammation and allograft rejection. In a number of abnormal conditions including allograft rejection, corneal trauma, primary and secondary corneal endothelial decompensation the remaining endothelial cells stained positively for CD44. However, in some corneas of keratitis, keratoconus, and dystrophy the endothelium which appeared relatively integral in morphology and amount remained CD44 negative.

CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CD44, the hyaluronate receptor, may play an important role in corneal cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Its regulation is closely related to corneal inflammatory reactions. The induction of CD44 on corneal endothelium might play a potential role in compensatory processes when corneal endothelial cells are injured.