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Lymphangiogenesis detected in cornea
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Corneal lymphatic vessels can develop in association with corneal neovascularization, possibly playing a role in corneal transplant rejection, according to a study by researchers in Philadelphia.
"Corneal transplant rejection can occur with and without neovascularization; therefore, it is necessary to elucidate what other factors allow for rejection. It has been suggested that the lymphatic system may play a role in graft failure, but it has also been held that the cornea is devoid of lymphatics," the authors said.
Meredith Regina, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania subjected 12 corneal buttons to immunohistochemical staining with a new monoclonal antibody against D2-40, which allows detection of lymphatics via light microscopy, according to the study.
The researchers identified lymphatic vessels, as well as evidence of neovascularization, in seven of the 12 corneal buttons. Additionally, four of these seven lymphatic-positive buttons showed histological markers of inflammation.
The remaining five buttons had no identifiable lymphatics and no signs of vascularization, they noted.
The study is published in the August issue of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.