Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the equine corneal epithelium.

Objective: The morphology of the corneal epithelium in two age groups of horses is described. Distribution patterns of proliferation-, differentiation-, stem cell-associated markers and cell junction proteins were assessed.

Methods: Corneal samples from 12 horses (six foals and six adult horses) were analyzed after H&E staining and immunohistochemistry using the following antibodies: E-cadherin, β-catenin, Connexin 43 (Cx43), tight junction protein 1 (TJP1), cytokeratin (CK) 14, CK 19, CK 3, CK 10, vimentin, Ki67, p63, nerve growth factor (NGF), ABCG2, and epithelial growth factor receptor.