Fig. 5 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 5

From: Comprehensive identification of dysregulated extracellular matrix molecules in the corneal endothelium of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Fig. 5

Spatial distribution of abnormal extracellular matrix on the Descemet membrane (DM) in FECD. (A) Histology of the DM in healthy and FECD subjects. Histological analysis was performed on semi-thin cross sections stained with toluidine blue. Red arrows indicate posterior fibrillar layers (PFLs) covering the guttae, while black arrows point to cell nuclei. Scale bar: 10 μm. (B) Distribution of scattered and buried guttae on an 8 mm flat-mounted DM of FECD. Scattered guttae, which are considered “typical,” have a high-contrast, black outline, whereas buried or semi-buried guttae have a less defined outline. Scale bar: 50 μm. (C) Schematic representation of the distribution of overexpressed and abnormal ECM on FECD DM. Normal DM of a non-FECD subject is also shown. Key features include guttae (G), PFL, posterior banded layer (PBL), posterior non-banded layer (PNBL), and anterior banded layer (ABL). ECM proteins identified by immunostaining in the present study are shown in blue text, while previously reported protein expressions are indicated in black text.

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