Alteration of the stromal architecture and depletion of keratan sulphate proteoglycans in oedematous human corneas: histological, immunochemical and X-ray diffraction evidence.

The structure and content of the extracellular stromal matrix of several oedematous human corneas was investigated using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of wavy lamellae and various sized collagen-free 'lakes' within the stroma of the oedematous corneas, with their posterior sections containing by far the largest 'lakes'. The existence of 'lakes' was supported by the equatorial X-ray diffraction evidence. Staining the oedematous corneas with Cuprolinic blue prior to electron microscopical and meridional X-ray diffraction studies demonstrated a loss of stromal proteoglycans normally associated with collagen. Immunochemical evidence demonstrated reduced levels of antigenic keratan sulphate in the oedematous corneas while biochemical techniques revealed constant chondroitin sulphate levels in the same corneas.