Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the density and spatial distribution of estradiol, progesterone and androgen receptors in corneal cryosections. Methods: Bovine corneas including the limbus were cryoprotected and snap frozen using isopentane cooled in liquid nitrogen. Cryosections of 10µm thickness were prepared and subjected to antibodies raised against receptors for estradiol, progesterone and androgen at dilutions of 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100 respectively. Staining was visualised using a Mouse ExtraAvidin® Peroxidase Staining Kit and nuclei were counterstained with bisbenzimide. Results: Assessment of tissue sections demonstrated immunostaining for estradiol, progesterone, and androgen receptors in the epithelium and in the keratocytes. Staining for all three receptors was nuclear and was detected in the limbal and peripheral regions of the cornea in both basal and suprabasal cell layers. With respect to the central corneal regions immunostaining was more diffuse within the cell layers. Immunostaining for all receptors was nuclear in the keratocytes throughout the corneal stroma. Conclusions: Estradiol, progesterone and androgen receptors are present in the epithelium and the stroma of the cornea and may be influenced by their ligands that we have previously identified in the tear film. It is likely that sex hormones may regulate cell-cell interactions during corneal wound healing.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • immunohistochemistry