Figure 3. Keratin 12 in situ hybridization and RT-PCR

K12 In situ hybridization with a dioxygenin riboprobe was performed on the epithelial debridement. K12 mRNA is present in the partial debridement (A), but not the total debridement (B) 12 weeks post-injury suggesting a permanent loss of K12 upon limbal stem cell removal. K12 RT-PCR (C) was also performed on all 3 wound types and an unwounded cornea. K12 expression is detected to a lesser degree in the alkali burn, but no reaction is detected in the total debridement.