Evidence for mitosis in the adult corneal endothelium

Ophthalmology. 1984 Oct;91(10):1129-34. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(84)34176-8.

Abstract

Intracellular structures probably representative of mitotic figures were seen by specular microscopy in the endothelium of a corneal graft following a rejection reaction. Serial measurements over an eight month period initially showed grossly enlarged cells and apparent mitotic figures. Subsequently, clusters of cells smaller than any cells previously seen were observed. Measurements of endothelial cell area over this period demonstrated a highly significant (P less than 0.0001) decrease in cell area, or increase in cell density, with time. These observations indicate that at least under some circumstances mitosis occurs in the endothelium of the adult human cornea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cataract Extraction
  • Cornea / pathology*
  • Corneal Transplantation
  • Endothelium / pathology
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Keratitis, Dendritic / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitosis* / drug effects
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Prednisolone / analogs & derivatives
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • prednisolone acetate
  • Prednisolone