Identifying the Palisades of Vogt in Human Ex Vivo Tissue

Abstract

Purpose The Palisades of Vogt (POV) constitute the corneal epithelial stem cell niche, but identification of this region in ex-vivo tissue is difficult. Here we introduce a simple, direct method of identifying the POV in unsectioned, ex-vivo human tissue. Methods Twenty-two eyes were studied, four whole and eighteen rims. Orientation of whole eyes was determined and the eyes were marked to maintain their cardinal orientation prior to dissection. Samples were imaged with brightfield, linearly polarized light and transmitted circularly polarized light (CPL) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes were acquired in all twelve clock hours around the limbus. Five samples were also fluorescently labeled to identify the epithelial basement membrane, and whole mounts were imaged with laser scanning confocal microscopy. Images were compared to confirm that the structures visible with polarized light were POV. Results Under CPL the POV presented as amber radial ridges visible in the superior and inferior regions of the tissue. Identification of POV was confirmed by correlating the structures seen under CPL, OCT and laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Conclusions CPL can be used to quickly identify POV regions in donor tissue. This technique can assist in targeted harvesting of stem cell regions for research and tissue for limbal transplant.

Comparative analysis of the value of information provided by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy for identifying the palisades of Vogt in normal limbus

“…Проведенный нами анализ литературы не выявил статей, сопоставляющих результаты визуализации ЛПФ методом ЛСКМ и ОКТ (в режиме En Face) in vivo. Существующие работы анализировали изображения ЛПФ, полученные этими методами диагностики на кадаверных глазах [15,20].…”

Limbal and corneal epithelial homeostasis

“…On slit lamp exam, the most prominent anatomic feature of the limbal niche, is the fibrous capillary rich area known as the Palisades of Vogt (PV) [13••]. It should be noted that while the presence of PV is a reliable marker of the presence of LESCs [21], since PV are not consistently seen in all areas of the limbus in healthy eyes, the absence of PV in a particular area of the limbus does not indicate that there are no LESCs.…”

Diagnostic capabilities of optical coherence tomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy in studying manifestations of aniridia-associated keratopathy

“…В предыдущих сообщениях была показана высокая степень согласованности результатов визуализации ЛПФ методом ОКТ и ЛСКМ у здоровых пациентов и на кадаверных глазах [9,23,24]. В отличие от монопольных снимков ЛСКМ, панорамное изображение ОКТ верхнего или нижнего лимба позволяет получать представление о протяженности, форме, рисунке ЛПФ и ФСП.…”