PRESENCE OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR IN CORNEAL EPITHELIUM

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has strong angiogenic properties and also promotes wound healing of corneal epithelium. However, only little is known about the natural presence of bFGF at the ocular surfa ce. In the present study we therefore investigated the presence of bFG F in the corneas of 10 guinea pigs. Positive staining for bFGF was fou nd in the epithelium of all specimens, preferentially in the basal cel l layer where the staining was entirely intracytoplasmatical. From bas e to apex a condensation process was detectable with highest intensity granular staining in the cytoplasma of the apical cells and a dense l ayer of pFGF at the surface of the epithelium without detectable cell structures. There was no specific staining in the stroma or endotheliu m. The possible role of pFGF in corneal physiology and neovascularizat ion is discussed.