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Laboratory science - Extended reports
Morphological characteristics of the limbal epithelial crypt
  1. Vijay A Shanmuganathan1,
  2. Toshana Foster1,
  3. Bina B Kulkarni1,
  4. Andrew Hopkinson1,
  5. Trevor Gray2,
  6. Des G Powe2,
  7. James Lowe2,
  8. Harminder S Dua1
  1. 1The Larry A Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK
  2. 2Department of Pathology, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Professor Harminder S Dua Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, B Floor, Eye & ENT Centre, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom; harminder.dua{at}nottingham.ac.uk

Abstract

Aim: In 2005 we reported the discovery of a novel anatomical structure at the limbus, which we termed the limbal epithelial crypt (LEC). The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the distribution, immunophenotypical, and ultra structural characteristics of the LEC as a putative niche of stem cells.

Methods: Sequential histological sections of human corneo-scleral limbal rims were examined for the presence and distribution of the LEC. Immunophenotypical characterisation of the LEC cells using a panel of antibodies of interest was undertaken. Transmission electron microscopy of the LEC was used to examine the ultra structural and morphometric features of cells within the LEC and adjacent limbus.

Results: A total of 74 LECs were identified in eight corneo-scleral rims. These varied in number, size and distribution within rims. Cells within the crypt demonstrated the following phenotype: CK3−/CK19+/CD 34−/Vimentin+/p63+/Connexin 43+/MIB1 (Ki67)−. Presence of Cx43 was also demonstrated in the rete pegs adjacent to the LEC. Basal cells of the LEC were significantly smaller than basal cells found in adjacent rete pegs and also smaller than suprabasal limbal and central corneal epithelial cells (p<0.05). Morphologically they had a high nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio and were adherent to the underlying basement membrane by means of complex convolutions of cytoplasmic processes.

Conclusions: LECs are sparse but a consistent finding in the human corneo-scleral limbus. The LEC contains a unique sub-population of cells expressing several characteristics that are consistent with it representing a putative stem cell niche.

  • APAPP, alkaline phospahtase
  • DAB, diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride
  • FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate
  • HRP, horseradish peroxidase
  • LEC, limbal epithelial crypt
  • OCT, optimum temperature compound
  • TEM, transmission electron microscopy

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.2006.102640

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    Footnotes

    • Published Online First 4 October 2006

    • This work has been funded by the Charles Hayward Foundation, the Henry Smith Charity; the Royal Blind Asylum and School/Scottish National Institution for the War Blinded with the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh; Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, UK and the Eye Research Institute, Philadelphia, USA.