Popova, P 
ORCID: 0000-0002-6494-8437, Malalana, F ORCID: 0000-0002-5773-9725, Biddolph, S, Ramos, T ORCID: 0000-0002-0113-4348, Parekh, M ORCID: 0000-0002-5186-068X, Chantrey, J ORCID: 0000-0002-4801-7034 and Ahmad, S ORCID: 0000-0002-8336-4314
(2022)
Interspecies comparative morphological evaluation of the corneal epithelial stem cell niche: a pilot observational study
Journal of Veterinary Science, 23 (4).
e62-.
ISSN 1229-845X, 1976-555X
Abstract
Background: The corneal and limbal morphology relevant to corneal epithelial maintenance in ten different species was examined using histological methods. Objectives: The presence of a Bowman’s layer, limbal epithelial cell, and superficial stromal morphology was examined in the following species to evaluate the differences in corneal thickness and epithelium: Java sparrows, frogs, macaws, spoonbills, red pandas, penguins, horses, Dobermans, orangutans, and humans. Methods: Corneal sections (4 μm) were obtained from ten ocular globes from three different animal classes: Aves, Amphibia, and Mammalia. All sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff reaction. After microscopy, all stained slides were photographed and analyzed. Results: Significant morphological differences in the corneal and limbal epithelia and their underlying stroma between species were observed. The number of corneal epithelial cell layers and the overall corneal epithelial thickness varied significantly among the species. The presence of a Bowman’s layer was only observed in primates (orangutans and humans). Presumed supranuclear melanin caps were noted in four species (orangutans, macaws, red pandas, and horses) in the limbal basal epithelial layer (putative site of corneal epithelial stem cells). The melanin granules covered the apex of the cell nucleus. Conclusions: Supranuclear melanin capping has been described as a process within the epidermis to reduce the concentration of ultraviolet-induced DNA photoproducts. Similarly, there may be a relationship between limbal stem cell melanin capping as a protective mechanism against ultra-violet radiation
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Melanin caps, supranuclear, UV light, cornea, eye |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jul 2022 12:48 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jan 2026 03:47 |
| DOI: | 10.4142/JVS.22009 |
| Open Access URL: | https://vetsci.org/search.php?where=aview&id=10.41... |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3159573 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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