| Abstract: | Using immunofluorescence techniques, we analyzed the distribution of glycoproteins in normal and keratoconus corneas of humans. Laminin, bullous pemphigoid antigen, fibronectin, and fibrin/fibrinogen were all found in the epithelial basement membrane of normal corneas. Keratoconus corneas produced similar results, except that staining for fibrin/fibrinogen was weak. Fibrin/fibrinogen was absent from normal corneal basement membrane in animal models studied previously. Keratoconus may be the result of the lysis of fibrin or may involve impeded elaboration of fibrin. |
