Connective tissue growth factor in retrocorneal membranes and corneal scars

We studied the localization and distribution of connective tissue growth fa ctor (CTGF) in corneal scar tissue and membranes using in situ hybridizatio n in 8 corneas from keratoplasty and 4 normal corneas. Identification of th e cells was done with immunohistochemistry for SM-alpha-actin, vimentin, an d Lu5. CTGF mRNA was found in activated corneal fibroblasts in 7 of 8 scars , 7 of 8 retrocorneal membranes and 2 subepithelial membranes, whereas the control corneas showed no CTGF mRNA expression. Vimentin was positive in al l scars, retrocorneal and subepithelial membranes, SM-alpha-actin in 7 of 8 scars and 6 of 8 retrocorneal membranes, These results suggest that CTGF p lays a crucial role in corneal wound healing and membrane formation, copyri ght (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.