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Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:529-532 doi:10.1136/bjo.2004.049742
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

Limbal epithelial crypts: a novel anatomical structure and a putative limbal stem cell niche

  1. H S Dua,
  2. V A Shanmuganathan,
  3. A O Powell-Richards,
  4. P J Tighe,
  5. A Joseph
  1. The Larry A Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Professor Harminder S Dua Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, B Floor, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; harminder.duanottingham.ac.uk
  • Accepted 2 August 2004

Abstract

Background/aims: There is substantial evidence that mammalian epithelial stem cells are located within well defined niches. Although the corneoscleral limbus is acknowledged as the site of corneal epithelial stem cells no anatomical niche for such cells has yet been described. The authors undertook to re-evaluate the microanatomy of the limbus in order to identify possible sites that may represent a stem cell niche.

Methods: Systematic serial 5–7 μm sections of human corneoscleral segments obtained from cadaver donors, were examined. The sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or toludine blue. Sections with specific areas of interest were further examined immunohistologically for the corneal epithelial marker cytokeratin 14 and the “stem cell” marker ABCG2 transporter protein.

Results: Distinct anatomical extensions from the peripheral aspect of the limbal palisades were identified. These consist of a solid cord of cells extending peripherally or circumferentially. The cells stained positive for CK14 and ABCG2.

Conclusions: A novel anatomical structure has been identified at the human limbus, which demonstrates characteristics of being a stem cell niche. The authors have termed this structure the limbal epithelial crypt.

Footnotes

  • This work was presented in part at 8th Nottingham Eye Symposium, January 2004 and at the Oxford Ophthalmic Congress July 2004.

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