Figure 1. A To evaluate the presenceof crypts, the entire corneoscleral ring was divided into eight segments (from A to H), and an hematoxylin and eosin staining was done. B-D: The presence and number of cells in the crypts for each segment were evaluated (black bars). In the segments in which we found cells, p63 staining was done (white bars). According to the presence and number of crypts observed within the entire corneoscleral rings in each of the segments and the positivity of p63 cells in the LECs, the samples were divided into two groups, defined as High (B and C) and Low Density (D and E). The differences in the number of p63 positive cells between the High and Low Density groups were significant (p<0.0001; Student t test; High group n=43 versus Low groupn=14). C-E: The distribution of limbal stem cell markers in Low and High Density groups. In segments with p63 positive cells, other limbal stem cells markers were evaluated, and the results were expressed as a percentage of positive areas in the crypt. Representative graphs with the distribution of markers in the High (C) and Low (E) groups are shown. ABCG2 (white bars) and connexin 43 (blue bars) remain highly expressed in both groups. Integrin β1 (orange bars) decrease in the Low Density groups. Desmoglein 3 (striped bars), integrin α6 (black bars), integrin β4 (gray bars), laminin 5 (green bars), vimentin (violet bars), and cytokeratin 15 (pink bars) were variably 400 expressed.