Biomaterial Database

Connective tissue fibre production in keratoconus. 1995

L W Jefferies, and R A Alexander

Department of Pathology, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, England, UK.

In a histochemical and electron microscopic study of 45 cases of keratoconus, oxytalan fibres, a member of the elastic fibre family, were found in the extracellular tissues of the cornea. Oxytalan fibres were identified beneath the epithelium over the thinned central region of the conical cornea as well as in areas of stromal scarring. In a number of instances the apparently thickened Descemet's membrane was shown to include an oxytalan-containing retro-corneal layer. Oxytalan fibres were found to be immunostained by antibodies raised against collagen type VI.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007640	Keratoconus	A noninflammatory, usually bilateral protrusion and thinning of the CORNEA, the apex being displaced downward and nasally. It occurs most commonly in females at about puberty. Two closely related noninflammatory corneal ectasias are pellucid marginal degeneration and keratoglobus.	Keratoglobus,Pellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration,Pellucid Marginal Degeneration,Degeneration, Pellucid Marginal,Marginal Degeneration, Pellucid,Pellucid Marginal Degenerations
D003285	Contractile Proteins	Proteins which participate in contractile processes. They include MUSCLE PROTEINS as well as those found in other cells and tissues. In the latter, these proteins participate in localized contractile events in the cytoplasm, in motile activity, and in cell aggregation phenomena.	Contractile Protein,Protein, Contractile,Proteins, Contractile
D003315	Cornea	The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous coat of the eye consisting of five layers: stratified squamous CORNEAL EPITHELIUM; BOWMAN MEMBRANE; CORNEAL STROMA; DESCEMET MEMBRANE; and mesenchymal CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM. It serves as the first refracting medium of the eye. It is structurally continuous with the SCLERA, avascular, receiving its nourishment by permeation through spaces between the lamellae, and is innervated by the ophthalmic division of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE via the ciliary nerves and those of the surrounding conjunctiva which together form plexuses. (Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)	Corneas
D004547	Elastic Tissue	Connective tissue comprised chiefly of elastic fibers. Elastic fibers have two components: ELASTIN and MICROFIBRILS.	Elastic Fibers,Elastic Fiber,Elastic Tissues,Fiber, Elastic,Fibers, Elastic,Tissue, Elastic,Tissues, Elastic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000072260	RNA Splicing Factors	RNA-binding proteins that facilitate or inhibit RNA SPLICING.	Splicing Factor,Splicing Factors,Factor, Splicing,Factors, RNA Splicing,Factors, Splicing,Splicing Factors, RNA
D016326	Extracellular Matrix Proteins	Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., COLLAGEN; ELASTIN; FIBRONECTINS; and LAMININ).	Extracellular Matrix Protein,Matrix Protein, Extracellular,Matrix Proteins, Extracellular,Protein, Extracellular Matrix,Proteins, Extracellular Matrix