The expression of laminin-5 and ultrastructure of the interface between basal cells and underlying stroma in the keratoconus cornea

Purpose: We investigated the expression of laminin-5 and integrins, and the ultrastructure of the interface between basal cells and the basement membr ane in the keratoconus cornea. These findings were compared to those in nor mal central cornea and limbus. Methods: Frozen sections of the normal cornea (center and limbus) and the k eratoconus cornea were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against thr ee chains of laminin-5 and integrins. To investigate the ultrastructure of the interface between basal cells and the underlying stroma, we used transm ission electron microscopy. Results: As compared to those in the normal central cornea, immunostaining patterns of the three chains of laminin-5 were thick and irregular in the k eratoconus cornea and the normal limbus. Using electron microscopy analysis , the same characteristic structure of the interface between basal cells an d the underlying stroma was recognized in the keratoconus cornea and the no rmal limbus. The expression of integrin alpha (6)beta (4) was restricted to the basal aspect of basal cells in the normal cornea. In the keratoconus c ornea, however, integrin alpha (6)beta (4) was expressed in all aspects in basal and suprabasal cells. Conclusion: The expression patterns of laminin-5 and the ultrastructure of the interface between basal cells and the basement membrane in the keratoco nus cornea were similar to those in the normal limbus. (C) 2001 Japanese Op hthalmological Society.