Comparative morphological evaluation of domestic animal cornea.
Abstract: This study described corneal morphology in different domestic animals using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Specifically, we evaluated the species-specific distribution pattern of cytokeratins (CKs) and aquaporins (AQPs) to assess their contribution to the strength and transparency of the cornea, respectively. Methods: Corneal sections (2 μm thick) were obtained from 28 pigs, 11 cows, two goats, six horses, four dogs, and five cats and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction. Immunohistochemistry was also performed using CK1 to 3 and AQP1 and 5 antibodies. Results: Domestic animal corneas were composed of corneal epithelium, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and corneal endothelium. Bowman's layer was not detected using the PAS reaction. The three-layered epithelium was thinnest in carnivores and thickest in equines and bovines. CKs were demonstrated immunohistochemically in all species examined, especially in the most superficial layer of the corneal epithelium. CKs were more widely distributed in canine and feline corneal epithelial cell layers compared to other species. The corneal monolayer endothelium was immunostained with AQP1 in all species examined, and it was also present in stromal keratocytes in a species-specific manner. In contrast, AQP5 was exclusively localized to the corneal epithelium. Epithelial staining patterns varied markedly between species, and the widest distribution of AQP5 was demonstrated in feline epithelial cell layers. Conclusions: Differences in the distribution of CKs and AQPs in various species suggest species differences in the maintenance of structural integrity and fluid balance.
© 2015 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Publication Date: 2015-07-20 PubMed ID: 26190143DOI: 10.1111/vop.12298Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research focuses on the examination of the corneal structure in various domestic animals with an emphasis on understanding their strength and transparency. The study leverages histological and immunohistochemical methods.
Research Methodology
- Corneal sections, approximately 2µm thick, were taken from a range of animals including 28 pigs, 11 cows, two goats, six horses, four dogs, and five cats.
- The sections were stained using hematoxylin-eosin and PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) to perform histological examinations. This allows for visualizing the various layers and components of the corneas.
- The study also applied immunohistochemistry, utilizing antibodies for CK (cytokeratins) and AQPs (aquaporins). CK contributes to cornea strength, while AQP helps maintain its transparency.
Research Findings
- All corneas of the animals studied were found to be comprised of four layers – the corneal epithelium, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and corneal endothelium. The Bowman’s layer wasn’t detected using the PAS reaction.
- The thickness of the three-layered epithelium varied; it was the thickest in horses and cows, while the thinnest in carnivores.
- CK presences were confirmed in all species, especially in the superficial layer of the corneal epithelium. Dogs and cats showed a wider distribution compared to other animals.
- All species also showed presence of AQP1 in the endothelium, with stromal keratocytes displaying species-specific behavior. AQP5, on the other hand, was found exclusively in the corneal epithelium, with the distribution pattern varying significantly among different species. Felines showed the most widespread distribution of AQP5 in their epithelial cells.
Conclusion of the Research
- Differences in CK and AQP distribution in various species suggest inherent differences in maintenance of structural integrity and fluid balance in different animal corneas.
- The observations and findings could aid in developing a deeper understanding of corneal biology and disease pathogenesis in different species, thereby enabling designing appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Nautscher N, Bauer A, Steffl M, Amselgruber WM.
(2015).
Comparative morphological evaluation of domestic animal cornea.
Vet Ophthalmol, 19(4), 297-304.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12298 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 35, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 35, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 35, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 35, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic / anatomy & histology
- Animals, Domestic / classification
- Cornea / anatomy & histology
- Species Specificity
Citations
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