Morphological Appearance of Conjunctival Goblets Cells in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To study the conjunctival Goblet Cells (GC) in patients with pseudoexfoliation compared to the control group. Methods: Conjunctival tissue was obtained at the end of uneventful cataract surgical procedure in 40 patients with pseudoexfoliation from the inferior and nasal part of the conjunctiva. The results were compared to an equal control group. Light microscopy, electron microscopy and histochemistry were performed. Results: 1) The number of Goblet Cells in patients with pseudoexfoliation compared to the control group showed statistically non significant difference 2) Use of trichrome stain revealed significant difference in staining properties of goblet cells in patients with pseudoexfoliation and in the control group 3) Goblet Cells of patients with pseudoexfoliation demonstrated irregular distribution or even complete collapse of mucin pockets along with other morphological abnormalities 4) Electron microscopy revealed significant difference in electron density of mucin in Goblet cells of patients with pseudoexfoliation in comparison to the control group. 5) Typical pseudoexfoliation filaments were found in the connective tissue of conjunctiva of patients with pseudoexfoliation. Conclusion: Goblet Cells appear to be significantly morphologically affected in patients with pseudoexfoliation. This could have an impact on the cell's physiology.

Keywords: 365 conjunctiva • 472 microscopy: electron microscopy • 363 comparative anatomy