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Myofibroblasts in the normal conjunctival surface
Author(s) -
Aguilar Ximena,
Hallberg David,
Sundelin Karin,
Hanson Charles,
Stenberg Kristina,
Brune Mats,
Stenevi Ulf
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.01608.x
Subject(s) - myofibroblast , medicine , conjunctiva , analysis of variance , pathology , anatomy , fibrosis
. Purpose: To investigate the occurrence of myofibroblasts (MFBs) in the normal conjunctival surface and to evaluate any anatomical and time‐related variations. Methods: MFBs were screened among healthy individuals (35 eyes) by collecting impression cytology (IC) samples from the bulbar conjunctiva. A cohort of volunteers (12 eyes) was followed for 1 year by taking two to five imprints every month. MFBs were identified by immunohistochemical localization of the MFB marker α‐smooth‐muscle actin (α‐SMA). Results: Using a filter imprint technique, MFBs were found consistently in 94% of samples from the conjunctival surface of participating individuals. The overall MFB levels, expressed as percentage of all cells on the filter, were highest in March–May [mean 4.1%, standard deviation (SD) ± 1.5] and lowest in December–February (mean 1.2%, SD ± 0.5). The difference was statistically significant [p < 0.0005, Friedman test, one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance ( anova )]. Moreover, there was a clear divergence of MFB density between the nasal, temporal, superior and inferior bulbar conjunctiva (mean 1.7%, 1.9%, 22% and 9.7%, respectively). Conclusion: MFBs, known as a cellular constituent of granulation tissue in wound healing, occur in the normal conjunctival surface, which is a novel finding. Our results also show that MFB level follows a seasonal variation pattern in a temperate climate, increasing in April–September and decreasing in October–March. This variation might reflect a degree of a transient or ongoing state of tissue repair after conjunctival trauma or stress caused by exposure to environmental factors.