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Ultrastructural localization of sulfated and unsulfated keratan sulfate in normal and macular corneal dystrophy type I

Lewis, David; Davies, Yvonne; Nieduszynski, Ian A.; Lawrence, Fiona; Quantock, Andrew J.; Bonshek, Richard; Fullwood, Nigel J.

Authors

David Lewis

Yvonne Davies

Ian A. Nieduszynski

Fiona Lawrence Fiona.Lawrence@uwe.ac.uk
Director of Business Development & Partnerships

Andrew J. Quantock

Richard Bonshek

Nigel J. Fullwood



Abstract

Keratan sulfate (KS) proteoglycans are of importance for the maintenance of corneal transparency as evidenced in the condition macular corneal dystrophy type I (MCD I), a disorder involving the absence of KS sulfation, in which the cornea becomes opaque. In this transmission electron microscope study quantitative immuno- and histochemical methods have been used to examine a normal and MCD I cornea. The monoclonal antibody, 5-D-4, has been used to localize sulfated KS and the lectin Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA) to localize poly N-acetyllactosamine (unsulfated KS). In normal cornea high levels of sulfated KS were detected in the stroma, Bowman's layer, and Descemet's membrane and low levels in the keratocytes, epithelium and endothelium. Furthermore, in normal cornea, negligible levels of labeling were found for N-acetyllactosamine (unsulfated KS). In the MCD I cornea sulfated KS was not detected anywhere, but a specific distribution of N-acetyllactosamine (unsulfated KS) was evident: deposits found in the stroma, keratocytes, and endothelium labeled heavily as did the disrupted posterior region of Descemet's membrane. However, the actual cytoplasm of cells and the undisrupted regions of stroma revealed low levels of labeling. In conclusion, little or no unsulfated KS is present in normal cornea, but in MCD I cornea the abnormal unsulfated KS was localized in deposits and did not associate with the collagen fibrils of the corneal stroma. This study has also shown that ECA is an effective probe for unsulfated KS.

Citation

Lewis, D., Davies, Y., Nieduszynski, I. A., Lawrence, F., Quantock, A. J., Bonshek, R., & Fullwood, N. J. (2000). Ultrastructural localization of sulfated and unsulfated keratan sulfate in normal and macular corneal dystrophy type I. Glycobiology, 10(3), 305-312. https://doi.org/10.1093/glycob/10.3.305

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2000
Journal Glycobiology
Print ISSN 0959-6658
Publisher Oxford University Press (OUP)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 3
Pages 305-312
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/glycob/10.3.305
Keywords antibody 5-D-4, cornea, electron microscopy, Erythrina cristagalli
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1093602
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/glycob/10.3.305