Immunolocalisation of leukaemia inhibitory factor in the cornea.

Aim: Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleotrophic cytokine expressed in a variety of cell types, and have shown to regulate stem cell proliferation, vascular genesis, inflammation, and immunity in various locations. Expression of LIF and its role in the cornea have not been studied previously. In this study, we examined the expression of LIF in the cornea.

Materials And Method: Immunohistochemistry was performed using polyclonal LIF antibodies, and Avidin-Biotin ABC complex on cultured human corneal epithelium corneal fibroblasts and wild-type murine corneal epithelium.

Results: LIF was detected in the cytoplasm of murine corneal epithelium, cultured human corneal epithelium, and fibroblasts. The expression of LIF was mainly cytoplasmic.

Conclusion: LIF is expressed in the corneal epithelium and fibroblasts. It may have an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis of the corneal epithelium and cornea stroma. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of LIF in the cornea.