L-selectin And Cd34 Are Expressed By Human Stromal Keratocytes

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To identify the expression of CD34 and its' respective ligand L-selectin in human corneal stroma. Methods: 12 human corneas (5 fresh corneas and 7 eye bank corneas) were examined for the expression of CD34 and L-selectin using immunohistochemistry methods. Antigens were identified using three different clones of monoclonal antibodies to Human CD34 and two different clones of antibodies to L-selectin. Isotype matched antibodies to irrelevant antigens were used on specimens as negative controls. Separate samples of whole corneal stroma were homogenised and processed for Western Blotting. Protein bands for CD34 and L-selectin were identified using monoclonal antibodies on the prepared Western blots. Results: In all specimens CD34 and L-selectin expression was identified on keratocytes on histological specimens. Western blotting for CD34 showed a 110 kDa positive band which corresponded to the molecular weight of CD34. Conclusion: The results show the novel finding that both CD34 and L-selectin adhesion molecules are expressed on human keratocytes. This result indicates that interactions between these molecules may contribute to the adhesion of corneal keratocytes to the corneal stromal extracellular matrix.

Keywords: 374 cornea: stroma and keratocytes • 339 cell adhesions/cell junctions • 434 immunohistochemistry