Growth factors and collagen distribution in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (original) (raw)

Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 2000

Abstract

To study the extracellular composition of giant papillae in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and the expression of growth factors that may stimulate fibrosis. Upper conjunctival specimens were obtained by biopsy in 9 patients affected by active tarsal VKC (14 eyes) and 10 normal control subjects. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue sections using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for collagens I, III, and VII; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha; transforming growth factor (TGF)-ss1; basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The mAbs anti-tryptase, anti-CD4, anti-CD68, and anti-EG2 were used as markers for mast cells, T-helper lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils, respectively. Immunofluorescent double-staining for growth factors and cell markers was performed in VKC tissues. Immunostaining was highly positive for collagens I, III, and VII in the subepithelium of VKC conjunctiva. Image analysis showed a significant increase of staining...

A. Leonardi hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let A. know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.