An Immunohistochemical Study of Inflammatory Cell Changes and Matrix Remodeling With and Without Acute Hydrops in Keratoconus

Abstract

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a chronic, inflammatory process with recruitment of immunoinflammatory cells and deposition of scar tissue in keratoconus. The inflammatory markers were somewhat attenuated in hydrops-associated keratoconus corneas and thus inflammation was not considered to be a major factor in the development of acute corneal hydrops.

Use of a nictitating membrane flap for treatment of feline acute corneal hydrops—21 eyes

“…Histopathology of FACH eyes additionally shows disruption of the corneal lamellar structure with focal loss of keratocytes . Occasional polymorphonuclear leukocytes or small pockets of neutrophils can be present, but the lesions are generally considered noninflammatory, just as in human ACH . Corneal cytology and culture were not performed in any of the patients in this study due to the typical appearance of the lesion and the severity of corneal disease and concern for iatrogenic perforation.…”

“…Ultrasound biomicroscopy in cases of FACH has not yet been reported. We are referring to this condition as FACH instead of feline acute bullous keratopathy based on the documentation of rupture in Descemet's membrane in feline globes with FACH, clinically significant differences from canine bullous keratopathy or Manx keratopathy, and clinically similar presentation to acute corneal hydrops in humans …”

Acute hypoxia influences collagen and matrix metalloproteinase expression by human keratoconus cells in vitro

“…In the context of KC, thinning of the corneal stroma is a key clinical feature of the disease that leads to the bulging phenomena of the central apex and development of an irregular astigmatism. KC has been associated with increased Collagen III and fibronectin deposition within the corneal stroma correlating with scar development [47]. Studies have also reported alterations present in KC corneal buttons in the epithelial-stromal interface separated by the basement membrane [48, 49].…”

New Developments in the Etiopathogenesis of Keratoconus: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis

“…tarafından keratokonik kornealarda yapılan immünohistokimyasal analizde; kornea epiteli ve stromasında lökosit, makrofaj ve antijen sunan hücreler saptanmış ve keratokonusta kronik inflamatuar bir reaksiyonun olduğu yorumu yapılmıştır. 76 Keratokonus etiyopatogenezinde lokal inflamasyonun yanı sıra sistemik inflamatuar faktörlerin de rol oynayabileceği düşünülmektedir. Sistemik inflamasyon belirleyicilerinden olan toplam nötrofil sayısının lenfosit sayısına oranı ile belirlenen nötrofil-lenfosit oranının progresif keratokonuslu hastalarda arttığı Karaca ve ark.nın yaptığı bir çalışmada gösterilmiştir.…”