Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To identify that p63 is a marker for cells with proliferative property, not only for stem cells. Methods: Three different diseased entity of corneas including keratoconus, ectasia corneas caused by following LASIK surgery and cornea following RK refractive were enrolled for study. Results:Sections were studies with connexin43, k3 and p63. p63 positive staining was shown over the basal and suprabasal layer of epithelium in the central corneal epithelium of keratoconus and ectasia cornea but negative in the normal central cornea. This positive staining of p63 in keratoconus and ectasia central corneas is similar staining in normal limbal epithelium. However, the Cx43 staining was negative to the basal layer of normal limbal epithelium but positive for the basal epithelium of central corneas of keratoconus and ectasia. P63 positive staining also was shown on the epithelium of deep RK wound of central cornea. Conclusions: p63 positive cells of epithelium was identified not only in normal limbal basal layer but also in the central part of keratoconus and ectasia corneas.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • proliferation