acid-phosphatase and Corneal-Diseases

Activated myofibroblasts and macrophages are often found in corneal wound models. The current study was performed to determine whether human diseased corneas that had active tissue remodeling and enzyme activities also possessed myofibroblasts, macrophages, major histocompatibility complex class II cells, and/or CD-68-positive cells.. Normal, keratoconus, keratoconus with hydrops, bullous keratopathy, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, failed grafts, and acid burn/neovascularized corneas were collected, frozen in OCT, sectioned, and stained with antibodies to alpha smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker), CD14 (macrophage marker), CD68 (lysosomal membrane marker), and HLA-DR (major histocompatibility complex class II cells). Selective histochemical stains identified lysosomal enzymes.. Normal and map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy corneas lacked antibody and enzyme staining. Keratoconus corneas were positive for CD68, HLA-DR, and lysosomal enzymes but were negative for CD14 and smooth muscle actin. Bullous keratopathy corneas had CD68-, CD14-, and HLA-DR-positive cells, relatively normal enzyme levels, and were smooth muscle actin-negative. Failed graft corneas had significant numbers of CD68-, CD14-, and HLA-DR-positive cells and increased acid phosphatase, but these corneas were smooth muscle actin-negative. Ulcerated and vascularized corneas had positive staining with all antibodies that were examined. Cultured stromal cells from normal corneas were CD68-positive, CD14-negative, and alpha smooth muscle actin-negative, and they produced lysosomal enzymes.. The current study demonstrates that increased presence of lysosomal enzymes, corneal remodeling, and fibrosis can occur in the absence of myofibroblasts and/or macrophages.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Actins; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Corneal Diseases; Fibroblasts; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; Macrophages

We examined biochemically the lysosomal enzyme activities in tear fluids from patients with mild myopia, senile cataract, and Terrien's marginal corneal degeneration. Tear acid phosphatase activities in Terrien's degeneration were almost the same as those in mild myopia and senile cataract, while those of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in Terrien's degeneration were higher. The high activity of tear N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase may be derived from the lacrimal gland and infiltrate histiocytelike cells in Terrien's marginal corneal degeneration.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Acid Phosphatase; Aged; Corneal Diseases; Female; Humans; Lysosomes; Tears

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Acridine Orange; Cornea; Corneal Diseases; Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary; Corneal Opacity; Humans; Keratitis; Lysosomes

Rats fed excess tyrosine develop corneal epithelial disease which parallels that found in humans with tyrosine aminotransferase deficiency (tyrosinosis). In the rat, focal lesions develop within the central epithelium and contain crystals (presumably tyrosine) that disrupt cells. We have studied these lesions and localized acid phosphatase and aryl sulfatase at the electron microscope level. Within 60 hr after initiation of diet, cells within the lesions showed an increase in lysosomal enzyme activity. This activity was localized inside some of the crystal ghosts and in numerous lysosomes, including autophagic vacuoles and multivesicular bodies. After 84 hr on diet the entire central corneal epithelium was disrupted and polymorphonuclear leukocytes had infiltrated the area. Crystals were phagocytosed by or developed within polymorphonuclear leukocytes. We hypothesize that crystals form within epithelial cells, disrupt first their lysosomes, and then cells, leading to externalization of lysosomal enzymes. This extracellular lysosomal enzyme release may be responsible for the acute inflammatory response that ensues.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Arylsulfatases; Corneal Diseases; Diet; Epithelium; Female; Lysosomes; Neutrophils; Rats; Tyrosine

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry disease) is an X-linked recessive disease. We had an opportunity to examine a heterozygous female patient with angiokeratoma and cornea verticillata. The patient's serum alpha-galactosidase activity was reported to be about 50% of normal. Skin lesion biopsy specimens were stained with electron microscopic acid phsophatase (ACP), with proper controls. Acid phosphatase activity was demonstrable within membrane-bound inclusions of cutaneous vascular endothelial cells. This suggested that the accumulation of abnormal glycolipids in the vascular cells occurs in the lysosomes.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adult; Corneal Diseases; Fabry Disease; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Inclusion Bodies; Lysosomes; Microscopy, Electron; Skin