Mesenchymal Cells in the Human Eye
Author Information
Author(s): Polisetty Naresh, Fatima Anees, Madhira Soundarya Lakshmi, Sangwan Virender Singh, Vemuganti Geeta K, Sudhakar Sreekanth Ravi
Primary Institution: LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
Hypothesis
This study aimed to report the presence of mesenchymal cells resembling bone marrow-derived cells in the limbus of the human eye.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated the presence of mesenchymal cells in the human limbus, similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Spindle cells from limbal cultures showed colony forming ability in 14 days.
- MC-L showed a population doubling of 22.95 while MSC-BM was 30.98.
- Immunophenotyping confirmed that MC-L were positive for mesenchymal markers and negative for epithelial markers.
Takeaway
The researchers found special cells in the eye that are similar to stem cells found in bone marrow, which could help in healing eye injuries.
Methodology
Limbal tissues were obtained from patients undergoing limbal biopsy, and mesenchymal cell cultures were established and characterized using various methods including immunophenotyping and RT-PCR.
Limitations
The in vivo role of these cells is not known, and the study does not extrapolate their potential applications.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website